Full Professor in Social and Cultural Anthropology in University of Bayreuth – Germany

Summary

The University of Bayreuth seeks a Full Professor (W3) in Social and Cultural Anthropology, focusing on Political Anthropology and African studies. The role requires a doctoral degree, habilitation or equivalent, and a strong international research record with third‑party funding and field experience in Africa or its diasporas. Responsibilities include teaching across bachelor’s and master’s programmes, expanding research themes, contributing to collaborative projects, networking, student supervision, and academic self‑governance. The position offers a permanent civil service salary (W3), family‑friendly policies, dual‑career support, and a commitment to diversity. Applications must be submitted online by 4 October 2026 with a comprehensive set of documents.

Key Facts

Department	Social and Cultural Anthropology
Position Type	Full Professor
Discipline	Social and Cultural Anthropology
Research Area	Political Anthropology
Degree Required	Doctoral degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology and Habilitation or equivalent
Salary	W3 (Permanent Civil Service Position)
Funding	Permanent civil service salary (W3)
Contract Duration	Permanent
Language	English (required), German (medium term)
Deadline	2026-10-04
Required Documents	Cover letter, CV with publication list, list of external funding, research concept (max. 5 pages), teaching portfolio (max. 3 pages), recent teaching evaluations, copies of certificates, diversity statement (max. 1 page)
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The professorship aims to strengthen the university’s African Studies agenda by advancing political anthropology research on categories of social difference, conflicts, social movements, and the interplay of politics with other social domains, while encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations and public engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach bachelor’s and master’s courses in Social and Cultural Anthropology and African Studies
• Develop and lead research in Political Anthropology with an African focus
• Expand existing research perspectives and contribute to the Cluster of Excellence "Africa Multiple"
• Network with African research partners and support undergraduate and graduate students
• Participate in academic self‑governance and strategic development of African Studies at the university

Required Skills

• Proven record of third‑party research funding
• Extensive empirical field research experience in Africa or its diasporas
• Ability to teach in English (German in the medium term)
• Collaboration, teamwork, resilience, and collegiality

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a PhD in Social and Cultural Anthropology, a habilitation or equivalent achievement, an internationally recognized record in political anthropology, extensive empirical field research on Africa or its diasporas, proven third‑party funding success, and the ability to teach in English (German later) are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Family‑friendly university environment
• Dual‑career support
• Commitment to gender equality and diversity
• Preferential consideration for applicants with disabilities

About the Employer

The University of Bayreuth is a research‑oriented institution with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas. It is internationally renowned for its African Studies, hosts the Cluster of Excellence "Africa Multiple" and the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

4 October 2026

What documents must be submitted?

Cover letter, CV with publication list, list of external funding, research concept, teaching portfolio, recent teaching evaluations, copies of certificates, and a diversity statement.

What is the salary grade for this position?

W3 (Permanent Civil Service Position)