Full Professor (W3) in American Studies at Heidelberg University – Germany

Summary

Heidelberg University’s Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences together with the Heidelberg Center for American Studies seeks a Full Professor (W3) in American Studies, expected to start on 1 April 2028. The candidate must be an internationally visible social scientist with expertise in sociology, political science, economics/economic history or media studies focused on the United States. Required qualifications include a qualified doctorate and habilitation or equivalent, plus teaching experience. Responsibilities include research, teaching, directing the HCA, and enhancing its international profile while securing third‑party funding. Applications are due by 30 October 2026 via email, with a single PDF containing CV and supporting documents.

Key Facts

Department	Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences
Position Type	Full Professor (W3)
Discipline	Social Sciences
Research Area	American Studies
Degree Required	Doctorate (PhD)
Experience	Teaching experience
Deadline	2026-10-30
Required Documents	PDF containing CV with publication list, list of courses taught
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The professorship involves conducting interdisciplinary research on the United States within American Studies, developing and delivering related courses, and leading the Heidelberg Center for American Studies to strengthen its international research profile.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in American Studies
• Teach courses at the Heidelberg Center for American Studies
• Serve as director of the HCA
• Sustain and strengthen HCA’s international research profile
• Secure third‑party research funding
• Collaborate with scholars across sociology, political science, economics and media studies

Required Skills

• Interdisciplinary expertise in American Studies
• Strong connections in the field of US studies
• Experience in collaborative research
• Ability to secure third‑party funding
• Pedagogical aptitude and teaching experience

Who Should Apply

Social scientists with a strong background in sociology, political science, economics/economic history or media studies who focus on the United States, have an internationally visible record in interdisciplinary American Studies, experience in collaborative research and securing third‑party funding, and hold a qualified doctorate with habilitation or equivalent and teaching experience.

About the Employer

Heidelberg University’s Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences and the Heidelberg Center for American Studies (HCA) are jointly recruiting a leading professor to advance interdisciplinary American Studies and to lead the HCA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 30 October 2026.

How should I submit my application?

Email a single PDF to [email protected].

Who can I contact for questions?

Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gerhard or Prof. Dr. Jan Stievermann.

What qualifications are required?

A qualified doctorate and habilitation or equivalent, plus teaching experience.

When is the expected start date?

1 April 2028.