Academic staff member

Kant Research Center (KFS) at the chair of Early Modern Philosophy, which is part of the Department of Philosophy

Organisation/Company Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Department Kant Research Center (KFS) at the chair of Early Modern Philosophy, which is part of the Department of Philosophy Research Field Arts » Performing arts Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 22 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 25,35 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number J Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main science region, the university can unfold to its full potential and showcase its innovative power and dynamism. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching and has great potential for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research. Almost all of its institutes are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center – creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from every continent.

The Emmy Noether Research Group in Theatre Studies, ‘Spectres of Brecht - Theory building in theater studies in the wake of (post-)Marxism’ at the Institute for Film, Theatre, Media and Cultural Studies (FTMK) at Johannes Gutenberg University is seeking a motivated and committed individual to fill a position as a research assistant, starting on 1 April 2026.

The position is part of the newly established research group ‘Spectres of Brecht - Theory building in theater studies in the wake of (post-)Marxism’ , which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The research group is investigating the reception and revision of (post-)Marxist approaches in German-language theatre studies as a hitherto largely unexplored chapter in recent disciplinary and theoretical history, which has contributed significantly to the repositioning of the discipline in the field of tension between theory and practice, historiography and the present, art and culture.

• Conducting an independent doctoral project on the topic of the research group in subproject 2: ‘Teaching and learning in the collective: Rediscovering the Lehrstück since the 1960s’
• Historiographical research in the field of history of theory, history of the discipline, and history of performance (including archival research and interviews with contemporary witnesses)
• Collaboration in the research group (regular work meetings, publication projects)
• Support in the conception and organisation of project-specific events (e.g. conferences, workshops)
• Presentation of own research results at national and international conferences and workshops
• A successfully completed university degree (MA) with above-average grades, preferably in theatre studies, or alternatively in other humanities subjects (literature, philosophy)
• Good knowledge of and interest in theatre historiographical methods (performance and staging analysis, discourse analysis, archival research, interviews with contemporary witnesses)
• Familiarity with and affinity for the recent history of German-language theatre studies as well as research into the history of theory and ideas in the fields of Marxism, poststructuralism and cultural studies
• Very good knowledge of German and English (at least B2 in each)
• Strong teamwork, organisational and communication skills

In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in § 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages GERMAN Level Good

Research Field Arts » Performing arts Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

• A wide range of offers for the development of your talents and perspectives
• Secure and transparent remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement of the federal states as well as additional benefits such as an annual special payment and company pension scheme
• Flexible working hours, 30 days' vacation and fair rules for balancing work and family life
• Together, we are advancing science and society on this lively and dynamic campus
• Strong support for your own academic career
• We value a culture of appreciation, equal opportunities, and diversity. You can look forward to an open communication, a supportive and respectful working environment, and motivating trainers who are there to support you.
• JGU attaches great importance to the compatibility of family and career. Family-friendly conditions provide the ideal environment for this.
• Located close to the city center of Mainz, the campus is easily accessible by all means of transport and with our subsidised Germany-wide rail ticket, you have a lively and culturally diverse city within easy reach

Are you ready for a new challenge and interested in this varied and responsible position? Then submit your complete application (cover letter, CV, relevant (work) certificates (with German recognition if applicable)) by 2/22/2026 , via the „ Apply now “ button.

Additional comments

The position is paid according to EG 13 TV-L and to be filled by 4/1/2026. The position is temporary for a fixed term until 31 March 2029.

The position serves the purpose of academic qualification (doctorate).

JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with varied backgrounds.

We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply.

People with severe disabilities and people with disabilities who are treated equally in accordance with Section 2 (3) SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institute for Film, Theatre, Media and Cultural Studies (FTMK) at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz