Research Associate (m/f/d) in Islamic Studies

The University of Bayreuth, with its family-like Campus, is one of the largest employers in the region. The Chair of Islamic Studies is seeking to fill the position of a

from July 1, 2026 or at the earliest possible date thereafter, with 100 % of the regular weekly working hours (currently 40.1 hours) for a fixed term until September 30, 2027.

Your area of responsibility

The position is part of a project to digitize an extensive collection of research material and research data from the 1980s and 199s. The aim is the systematic cataloging and digitization of materials on the history and present of Islam in Africa.

The tasks include, in particular:

• Review, structuring und digitalization of the existing collection
• Bibliographic and scholarly research to contextualize the materials
• Recording and processing of data in a digital research database
• Contributing to the conception and maintenance of the digital collection to be built (OMEKA S)

Your profile

• Successfully completed Master’s degree in Islamic Studies, the Study of Religion, African Studies, History or a related field (candidates with PhD in hand are welcome)
• Proven interest in Islam in Africa
• Sound knowledge in at least one of the following subject areas ( (ideally with a regional focus on Africa):

- Islamic eudcation

- Sufism

- Islamic Law

• Very good skills in academic literature research and bibliographic work
• Knowledge of English, French and Arabic
• Experience in handling research data and database systems

Desired are:

• Knowledge of digital research infrastructures (e.g., OMEKA S)
• Experience in Digital Humanities
• Knowledge of African langugages (e.g., Hausa, Kiswahile, Wolof)

Payment is made according to pay group E 13 TV-L.

What you can expect

• A varied range of tasks in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Integration into current research debates on Islam in Africa
• Opportunity to further develop skills in the field of Digital Humanities and research data management
• Opportunity to develop and prepare a grant application
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home for up to two days within the framework of the applicable terms of duty

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees as an asset and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best-Practice Club „Family at the University “ und has successfully participated in the HRK audit „Internationalization of Higher Education“. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.

Please apply online with comprehensive application documents (motivation letter, full academic CV, certificates) by May 15, 2026, quoting the reference „Islamwissenschaft“ via our Bewerbungsportal Uni Bayreuth. Application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection law following the conclusion of the appointment process.

In case of questions, please contact Dr. Britta Frede, Chair of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Languages and Literatures, University of Bayreuth, email: Britta.Frede@uni-bayreuth.de.