PhD student (m(f(d)

The Institute of Sociology at the University of Freiburg, Germany is looking for a PhD student with a strong interest in sociology of the body and technology, within the area of warfare studies. The position is funded by the German Research Foundation in the project To Heal/To Kill: Inquiring on Corporeal Displacements in Medicine and Military within Emerging Cyber Worlds for a duration of 36 months and shall be conducted under the supervision of PD Dr. Denisa Butnaru.

The wider aim of the project is to investigate how the design and use of cyber technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) engender corporeal displacements in medicine and military practice, giving rise to ambivalent materialities.

Profile

The doctoral research will specifically focus on the research on military and will inquire into how artificial intelligence (AI) applications transform phenomenologies of soldierly bodies and their associated forms of expertise. The intention is to explore what resources are mobilized in processes in which corporeality is gradually evacuated, displaced, or experientially relocated through applications of technologies using artificial intelligence (AI). While seeking to understand how transformations induced by AI cyber technologies reshape histories of sensitivity and their associated phenomenological specificities in militaryscapes, the doctoral research will investigate whether and how emerging conceptions and experiences of the human body are being revalorized, and what forms of vulnerability emerge in such corporeal transformations.

Tasks

The doctoral research is correlated to a wider project within the frame of a Heisenberg programme funded by the German Research Foundation. It implies close collaboration with the principal investigator of this project, as well as with a student assistant and shall be carried out within the grant duration, namely 36 months.

The applicant is expected to conduct extensive qualitative fieldwork in the form of multi‑sited ethnography and semi‑directive interviews in Germany and France with experts in defense technologies and military staff. Besides experience in qualitative research, the applicant will dispose of knowledge in sociology of the body and military, as well as phenomenology of the body. Competence in defense and security areas is a plus. Autonomy for fieldwork as well as fluency in German, French and English are essential to pursue the research.

Other necessary qualifications are the following:

• Master’s degree in sociology, science and technology studies, anthropology, political science, or a related discipline
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audience
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Coping with strict deadlines

Due to the sensitive nature of this research, the candidate must manage all collected data responsibly and securely. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Compliance with security protocols: The applicant must adhere to relevant military and governmental regulations concerning the handling of sensitive information, and respect any confidentiality agreements or security protocols, particularly when dealing with military staff or information about defense technologies.
• Ethical responsibility: The candidate is expected to maintain the highest ethical standards in all aspects of their research, ensuring the confidentiality of all interviewees and research findings.
• Discretion in publishing and presenting findings: While the candidate will be expected to publish and present findings at conferences and in academic journals, all publications must undergo review to ensure that no sensitive or confidential information is disclosed without proper consent. The candidate must seek explicit permission from interviewees before attributing any statements or sharing any potentially sensitive content.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to complete a doctoral degree in a highly relevant area for contemporary societal and political debates
• Participation in conferences and possibilities to network in an international environment
• Structured mentoring and support for scientific and professional development
• Possibilities of continuous professional training
• Facilities to connect with industrial and political actors
• Remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal state (TV-L), pay grade 13, 75%

The University of Freiburg promotes equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/worldview, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

We look forward to receiving your complete application in one PDF‑file.

Please upload your application documents (cover letter, CV, Master’s diploma and relevant transcripts, and an example of written text (thesis chapter, work in progress) to the University of Freiburg’s job portal by no later than March 15 th 2026.

The position is limited to 30. April 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV‑L.

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number , by 15. März 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

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