Assistant Professorship in Modern German Literature and Digitality, University of Oldenburg, Germany

Summary

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg is recruiting a Junior Professor (W1 with Tenure Track to W2) in Modern German Literature focusing on the 20th and 21st centuries. Located within Faculty III and the Institute of German Studies, the successful candidate will establish an independent research field in Literature and Digitality, contributing to the interdisciplinary Digital Social Sciences and Humanities initiative. Responsibilities include conducting research, delivering German-taught courses across bachelor's and master's degree programs, participating in academic self-governance, and supporting student career paths. The initial temporary appointment is for three years, extendable by another three years following positive evaluation, leading to a permanent W2 professorship.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Oldenburg
Department	Faculty III – Linguistics and Cultural Studies, Institute of German Studies, Digital Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH)
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	German Studies / German Literature
Research Area	Modern German Literature with a focus on the 20th and 21st century, Literature and Digitality
Degree Required	Doctorate in Modern German Literature
Experience	Early career stage; expertise in 20th and 21st-century German-language literature documented through publications (e.g. dissertation); teaching experience in Modern German Literature; initial experience in competitive third-party funding acquisition; initial experience supervising academic career paths.
Salary	W1 with Tenure Track W2
Funding	Funded by resources from zukunft.niedersachsen, the joint science funding programme of the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture and the VolkswagenStiftung.
Language	German
Required Documents	Research concept (maximum 4 pages), Teaching concept (maximum 2 pages)
Employer Address	Ammerländer Heerstraße 114–118, 26129, Lower Saxony

About the Project

The position focuses on Modern German Literature of the 20th and 21st centuries, specifically developing an independent research program in Literature and Digitality. Research can address digital cultures (e.g., digital text types, digital aesthetics, impacts of digitalization on literature) or digital methods (e.g., distant reading, digital editions, network analysis). The work contributes directly to the cross-faculty Digital Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH) initiative at the University of Oldenburg.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on 20th and 21st-century German-language literature.
• Establish an independent research area within 'Literature and Digitality' focusing on digital cultures or digital methods.
• Actively participate in collaborative projects within the institute and faculty.
• Contribute to the cross-faculty Digital Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH) initiative.
• Teach modules across the full breadth of Modern German Literature in German-language bachelor's and master's degree programs.
• Support and guide the academic career development of students and staff.
• Participate actively in the institutional cooperation between the universities of Oldenburg and Bremen.
• Engage in academic self-governance and promote a diverse university culture.

Required Skills

• Expertise in 20th and 21st-century German-language literature proven through relevant publications.
• Teaching experience in Modern German Literature.
• Initial experience in acquiring competitive third-party research funding.
• Initial experience supervising and mentoring academic careers.
• Ability to offer university courses in German.
• Cooperative working style fostering diversity and equal opportunity.

Who Should Apply

Early-career researchers who hold a doctorate in Modern German Literature with demonstrated expertise in 20th and 21st-century German literature through publications. Applicants must possess university teaching experience, initial experience in securing competitive external research grants, and experience supervising early-career academics.

Benefits

• Tenure Track path to a permanent W2 Professorship upon positive evaluation.
• Creative, international, and inspiring academic working environment.
• Comprehensive service and advisory offers, including support for international scholars and work-life balance.
• Dedicated Digital Humanities services via the University Library and Information System (BIS).
• Diverse continuing education opportunities and occupational health management.
• Certified family-friendly university campus.

About the Employer

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg features Faculty III (Linguistics and Cultural Studies), which focuses on analyzing language, literature, art, music, and everyday culture. The Institute of German Studies offers teacher-training and master's degree programs and participates in regional cultural partnerships like 'LiteraTour Nord'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary language of instruction for this position?

Teaching duties for this position must be conducted in German.

What is the structure of the tenure track contract?

The post is initially for three years, with a three-year extension following a positive evaluation, leading to a permanent W2 professorship.

How should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the university's appointment portal (jobs.uol.de).

What concepts must be included in the application?

Applicants must submit a research concept of up to 4 pages and a teaching concept of up to 2 pages.