Research Associate (m/f/d)

The University of Bayreuth, with its family-like campus, is one of the largest employers in the region. The Cluster of Excellence EXC 2052 Africa Multiple is seeking to fill the position of a

from 1 October 2026 or at the earliest possible date thereafter, with 75% of the regular weekly working hours for a fixed term of 48 months.

The position is part of the research project “Translating Brazilian Development Ideas in Africa” (TRABRADIA), funded by the Cluster of Excellence EXC 2052 Africa Multiple at the University of Bayreuth. The project examines how practices of translation shape South–South development cooperation, focusing on Brazil–Africa relations in various fields. The research associate (m/f/d) will investigate the local adaptation of Brazil’s National School Feeding Program in Malawi through the analytical lens of policy translation.

Your area of responsibility

• Conducting a qualitative case study on the translation of Brazil’s National School Feeding Program in Malawi within the framework of South–South development cooperation
• Carrying out qualitative fieldwork, including key-informant interviews, in Malawi and Brazil
• Archival and library-based data collection and analysis
• Participating in project meetings, academic conferences, and workshops
• Contributing to project publications

Your profile

Required:

• Successfully completed Master’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, Development Studies, African Studies, or a related field
• Strong interest in nutrition policy, social policy, development cooperation, and/or Africa-Latin America relations
• Willingness and capacity to conduct qualitative fieldwork in Malawi and Brazil
• Very good written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary team (spanning Political Science, Theatre/Drama, and History)

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Chichewa and/or Portuguese
• Prior experience with qualitative research methods (esp. in-depth interviewing and archival research)
• Familiarity with debates on school feeding, social policy, and/or development cooperation
• Prior fieldwork or study experience in Africa and/or Latin America

Payment is made according to pay group E 13 TV-L (75%).

What you can expect

• Integration into the internationally connected research environment of the Cluster of Excellence EXC 2052 Africa Multiple
• Opportunity to pursue a PhD at the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS)
• Structured training at the Cluster International Career Centre (CLICC), including courses in research ethics, academic writing, and research data management
• Supervision by Prof. Dr. Tim Dorlach, Junior Professor of Global Nutrition and Health Policy
• Opportunities for international networking through research stays and conference participation across Africa, Europe and Latin America

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” and 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 (incl. motivation letter, full academic CV, prior degree certificates and transcripts, a list of at least two potential referees, and, if available, a copy of your master thesis) by 15 June 2026, quoting the reference “TRABRADIA” via our Applicant Portal 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 Prof. Dr. Tim Dorlach, Junior Professorship of Global Nutrition and Health Policy, Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Bayreuth, email: tim.dorlach@uni-bayreuth.de.