Research Associates (m/f/d) Images of Migration and Human Rights at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen – Gießen, Germany

Summary

Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is offering two part-time (60%) Research Associate positions starting January 1, 2027. These fixed-term positions, lasting 4 years, are part of the DFG-funded research group "Human Rights Discourse in Migration Societies (MeDiMi)" and the project "Images of Migration as Sites of Contested Humanrightization in Germany, Italy, and the United States." The roles involve completing a PhD, writing an academic monograph, and participating in conferences, with a focus on social media studies or visual representations of migration in specific countries. Applicants need a Master's degree in American Studies, Anglophone/English Studies, or Comparative Literary/Cultural/Media Studies, along with excellent language skills (English and German for Position 1; English and Italian for Position 2). The salary is E 13 TV-H. The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Centre for Media, Diversity and Law (DiML)
Position Type	Research Associate
Discipline	American Studies, Anglophone/English Studies, Comparative Literary/Cultural/Media Studies
Research Area	Images of Migration and Human Rights, Social Media Studies, Visual Representations of Migration, Human Rights Discourse in Migration Societies
Degree Required	Master's or equivalent university degree
Salary	E 13 TV-H
Funding	DFG-funded research group "Human Rights Discourse in Migration Societies (MeDiMi)"
Contract Duration	4 years, fixed-term
Language	English, German, Italian
Deadline	2026-10-15
Employer Address	Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
Employer Contact	Maureen Schwarz, B.A. ([email protected]); Felix van Groningen, M.A. ([email protected])

About the Project

The project, "Images of Migration as Sites of Contested Humanrightization in Germany, Italy, and the United States," is part of the DFG-funded research group "Human Rights Discourse in Migration Societies (MeDiMi)" (FOR 5321). This interdisciplinary research examines the scope, forms, and consequences of human rights discourses in migration societies. It involves legal, social, and cultural analyses across subprojects at the Universities of Giessen, Marburg, and Amsterdam. The goal is to form an empirical basis for a theory of migration-society discourse practice, contributing to a new understanding of human rights' role in contemporary societies.

Key Responsibilities

• Completing a PhD with a focus on social media studies and their representation of migration, specifically focusing on the United States and Germany (Position 1)
• Completing a PhD with a focus on visual representations of migration in the United States and Italy (Position 2)
• Writing an academic monograph on an aspect of the project
• Further independent research
• Participation in academic conferences and MeDiMi's annual meetings
• Processing of a research project financed by third-party funds on a temporary basis

Required Skills

• Completed Master's or equivalent university degree in American Studies, Anglophone/English Studies or Comparative Literary/Cultural/Media Studies
• Excellent knowledge of English and German (C2) (Position 1)
• Excellent knowledge of English and Italian (C2) (Position 2)
• Independent workstyle
• Quick comprehension skills
• Strong affinity for media
• Knowledge of dominant migration discourse in the U.S. and Germany (Position 1)
• Knowledge of dominant migration discourses in the U.S. and Italy (Position 2)
• Basic knowledge of social media platforms and VPNs
• Basic knowledge of Visual AI assistants (e.g. Napkin AI, Manus, Canva AI) (desired for Position 1)
• Experience working in discourse analysis, image analysis, and empirical analysis (desired)
• Experience in literary/cultural studies case study analysis, preferably transmedial (desired for Position 1)
• Knowledge of Law/Human Rights, Migration, Narratology, Affect Theory (desired)

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a Master's degree in American Studies, Anglophone/English Studies, or Comparative Literary/Cultural/Media Studies are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have excellent language proficiency in English and either German or Italian, depending on the position. Strong affinity for media, independent workstyle, and quick comprehension skills are required. Those with knowledge of dominant migration discourses in the U.S., Germany, or Italy, and basic knowledge of social media platforms and VPNs are suitable. Desired experience includes discourse analysis, image analysis, empirical analysis, and knowledge of Law/Human Rights, Migration, Narratology, and Affect Theory. The positions are suitable for individuals seeking to complete a PhD and conduct independent research within an interdisciplinary project.

Benefits

• Varied job with flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development
• Wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV-H
• Company pension scheme
• Child allowance
• Special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")

About the Employer

Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), founded in 1607, is a research university with a rich tradition. It has approximately 25,000 students and 5,800 employees. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university and aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with its women's promotion plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date for these positions?

The positions are scheduled to start on January 1, 2027.

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is fixed-term for a period of 4 years.

What is the working percentage for these positions?

The positions are part-time at 60%.

What are the required language proficiencies for Position 1?

Position 1 requires excellent knowledge of English and German (C2).

What are the required language proficiencies for Position 2?

Position 2 requires excellent knowledge of English and Italian (C2).

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must have a completed Master's or equivalent university degree.