PhD student (m/f/d)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with an internationally competitive and interdisciplinary profile in research and teaching. The Chair for the Sociology of Insecurity and Uncertainty, with a focus on Africa, is seeking to fill the position of a

The position is limited to four years; the start-date is April 2026. Remuneration will be in accordance with pay group 13 TV-L (50%). 

The PhD student will join and contribute to a team where research and teaching focus on the sociological study of insecurity and uncertainty, with a focus on Africa and its diaspora.  We are looking for a motivated researcher to support this research field and to develop a doctoral research project on topics such as rumors, conflicts, suspicion, secrecy, complex media environments, conspiracy and/or conspiracy theories. A qualitative methodology framework and an openness to interdisciplinary debates are highly desirable.

Your profile

• Very good master’s degree in sociology, anthropology, political science, cultural studies, area studies (or other closely related disciplines)
• Very good knowledge of English language in speaking, reading and writing (knowledge of German and/or French is desirable)
• Solid knowledge of qualitative research methods (ethnography, interview research), experience in qualitative field research and data analysis
• Proven ability to work in a team as well as independently
• Familiarity with and/or strong interest in the topics of the research area

Your tasks

• Developing and carrying out a doctoral project
• Active participation in research projects and third-party funding applications in the research area
• Teaching at BA and MA level in relevant study programs (1.5 courses per semester)
• Administrative tasks in the chair, especially in its current stage of team building and consolidation

What we offer

• Work in a future-oriented, creative, supportive and inspiring research context
• Possible admission to BIGSAS (Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies)
• Networking possibilities with researchers from different parts of the world
• Funds for conference participation, books and equipment
• Flexible working hours
• Attractive opportunities for stimulating tasks, further training and qualification (e.g. university teaching qualification)
• A good work-life balance and other public service benefits, e.g. JobRad (a bicycle leasing scheme), an attractive supplementary pension plan with the Federal and State Pension Scheme (VBL), a wide range of health promotion offers, e.g. health days, workshops, and the opportunity to participate in the university sports program.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is expressly committed to the goal of equal opportunities for all genders. Applicants with children are also very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best-practice club “Familie in der Hochschule e.V.” (Family in the University) and has successfully participated in the HRK audit “Internationalization of the University”.  In case of equal qualifications, people with disabilities will be given preferential consideration.

Please apply online by February 2, 2026, quoting the keyword “WiMi_SU_Afrika” via the application portal of the university

Your application should include the following elements (all combined in one PDF file):

• Cover letter
• CV
• Certificates (High School/A-levels, BA, MA)
• A 2-page outline of a possible doctoral project (including a methodology section)
• A writing sample (e.g. published article, blog or a chapter of the MA thesis).

The documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection regulations once the position has been filled.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Joschka Philipps (joschka.philipps@uni-bayreuth.de)