Call for Applications

45,000 students and 8,000 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster (WWU).

Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Encyclopaedia, Cosmography and Geography

(TV-L E 13, 100%)

The Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Philology at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in
(salary level TV-L E 13, 100%)

commencing on 1 October 2023. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position (100%) for 2 years, which can be extended for another 2 years in case of a positive evaluation of the junior research group.

The position is within the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “Inner-Islamic Transfer of Knowledge within Arabic-Persian-Ottoman Translation Processes in the Eastern Mediterranean (1400–1750)” (TRANSLAPT), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and headed by Prof Philip Bockholt (https://go.wwu.de/translapt).

Translation processes played a central role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire in the early modern period. Against the background of confessional-political polarisation in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, a multitude of works were increasingly received, translated and commented upon. Therefore, using a multidisciplinary approach, this Junior Research Group is investigating the transregional transfer of knowledge between 1400 and 1750 holistically for the first time. In doing so, the focus lies on translation as a concept, process and product in a large portion of the Islamic world. The aim is to reveal the central role of Ottoman-Turkish translations of texts from Arabic and Persian as part of the dissolution processes of cultural and literary ambiguity between Sunni and Shia Islam, without a clear understanding of which the intellectual-historical developments in the region cannot be fully comprehended and appreciated.

 

Your tasks:

  • Conducting a postdoctoral research project on Arabic-Persian-Ottoman translations of works from the fields of encyclopaedia, cosmography and geography
  • Design and implementation of events of the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group (workshops, conferences, summer schools, manuscript training courses)
  • Taking an active role in anchoring the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group in the research landscape
  • Contributing to the publications of the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group

 

Our expectations:

  • A doctorate with above-average results in Islamic studies/Oriental studies/Iranian studies/Turkology/Ottoman studies or history is required and must be completed before the post can be taken up.
  • Documented English language skills at level C1 are required.
  • A good reading knowledge of Arabic, Persian and Ottoman-Turkish is indispensable and must be proven by certificates, degree transcripts or your own publications.
  • Knowledge of handling manuscripts is required and must be proven; experience in handling illustrated manuscripts is desirable.
  • German language skills are an advantage. If the successful candidate does not already know German, the willingness to reach a B2 level in German within 2 years is expected. In order to facilitate communication and cooperation within the research group, the successful candidate will be encouraged and supported in attending German courses as necessary.
  • A willingness to be present at the Münster location on a regular basis is a prerequisite.

 

Advantages for you:

  • Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
  • Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
  • If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
  • As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
  • From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
  • As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

 

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions in advance, please contact Prof Philip Bockholt at the email address below.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application including a letter of motivation, CV, references and language certificates combined into one PDF file named only with your surname. Applications must be sent in an email with the subject line "Encyclopaedia" by 9 June 2023 to:

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
Institut für Arabistik und Islamwissenschaft
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Philip Bockholt
translapt@uni-muenster.de

Doctoral Research Associate: Biography & Hagiography

(TV-L E 13, 75%)

The Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Philology at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Doctoral Research Associate
Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in
(salary level TV-L E 13, 75%)

commencing on 1 October 2023. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (75% FTE) for 4 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

The position is within the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “Inner-Islamic Transfer of Knowledge within Arabic-Persian-Ottoman Translation Processes in the Eastern Mediterranean (1400–1750)”(TRANSLAPT), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and headed by Prof Philip Bockholt (https://go.wwu.de/translapt).

Translation processes played a central role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire in the early modern period. Against the background of confessional-political polarisation in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, a multitude of works were increasingly received, translated and commented upon. Therefore, using a multidisciplinary approach, this Junior Research Group is investigating the transregional transfer of knowledge between 1400 and 1750 holistically for the first time. In doing so, the focus lies on translation as a concept, process and product in a large portion of the Islamic world. The aim is to reveal the central role of Ottoman-Turkish translations of texts from Arabic and Persian as part of the dissolution processes of cultural and literary ambiguity between Sunni and Shia Islam, without a clear understanding of which the intellectual-historical developments in the region cannot be fully comprehended and appreciated.

 

Your tasks:

  • This position is tied to working towards a doctoral thesis on Arabic-Ottoman or Persian-Ottoman translations of biographical and hagiographical works.
  • Participation in/assistance with the organisation of events of the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group (workshops, conferences, summer schools, manuscript training courses)
  • Supporting the publications of the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group

 

Our expectations:

  • A master’s degree (or equivalent) in Islamic studies/Oriental studies, Turkish/Ottoman studies or history with above-average results is required and must be completed before the post can be taken up.
  • Documented English language skills at level C1 are required.
  • Good reading skills in Arabic and/or Persian in addition to Ottoman Turkish are essential and must be proven by certificates or degree transcripts. If the candidate has no knowledge of Persian, a willingness to participate in the Persian courses of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies is expected.
  • German language skills are an advantage. If the successful candidate does not already know German, the willingness to reach a B2 level in German within 2 years is expected. In order to facilitate communication and cooperation within the research group, the successful candidate will be encouraged and supported in attending German courses as necessary.
  • Manuscript handling skills are desirable.
  • A willingness to be present in Münster for the duration of the position is required.

 

Advantages for you:

  • Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
  • Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
  • If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
  • As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
  • From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
  • As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

 

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions in advance, please contact Prof Philip Bockholt at the email address below.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application including a letter of motivation, CV, references and language certificates combined into one PDF file named only with your surname. Applications must be sent in an email with the subject line "Biography" by 9 June 2023 to:

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
Institut für Arabistik und Islamwissenschaft
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Philip Bockholt
translapt@uni-muenster.de

Doctoral Research Associate: Hadith

(TV-L E 13, 75%)

The Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies n the Faculty of Philology at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Doctoral Research Associate
Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in
(salary level TV-L E 13, 75%)

commencing on 1 October 2023. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (75% FTE) for 4 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

The position is within the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “Inner-Islamic Transfer of Knowledge within Arabic-Persian-Ottoman Translation Processes in the Eastern Mediterranean (1400–1750)” (TRANSLAPT), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and headed by Prof Philip Bockholt (https://go.wwu.de/translapt).

Translation processes played a central role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire in the early modern period. Against the background of confessional-political polarisation in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, a multitude of works were increasingly received, translated and commented upon. Therefore, using a multidisciplinary approach, this Junior Research Group is investigating the transregional transfer of knowledge between 1400 and 1750 holistically for the first time. In doing so, the focus lies on translation as a concept, process and product in a large portion of the Islamic world. The aim is to reveal the central role of Ottoman-Turkish translations of texts from Arabic and Persian as part of the dissolution processes of cultural and literary ambiguity between Sunni and Shia Islam, without a clear understanding of which the intellectual-historical developments in the region cannot be fully comprehended and appreciated.

 

Your tasks:

  • This position is tied to working towards a doctoral thesis on Arabic-Ottoman translations of works of Hadith literature.
  • Participation in/assistance with the organisation of the events of the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group (workshops, conferences, summer schools, manuscript training courses)
  • Supporting the publications of the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group

 

Our expectations:

  • A master’s degree (or equivalent) in Islamic studies/Oriental studies, Turkish/Ottoman studies or history with above-average results is required and must be completed before the post can be taken up.
  • Documented English language skills at level C1 are required.
  • A good reading knowledge of Arabic and Ottoman Turkish is essential and must be proven by certificates or degree transcripts. If the candidate has no knowledge of Persian, a willingness to participate in the Persian courses of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies is expected.
  • German language skills are an advantage. If the successful candidate does not already know German, the willingness to reach a B2 level in German within 2 years is expected. In order to facilitate communication and cooperation within the research group, the successful candidate will be encouraged and supported in attending German courses as necessary.
  • Manuscript handling skills are desirable.
  • A willingness to be present in Münster for the duration of the position is required.

 

Advantages for you:

  • Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
  • Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
  • If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
  • As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
  • From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
  • As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

 

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions in advance, please contact Prof Philip Bockholt at the email address below.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your including a letter of motivation, CV, references and language certificates combined into one PDF file named only with your surname. Applications must be sent in an email with the subject line "Hadith" by 9 June 2023 to:

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
Institut für Arabistik und Islamwissenschaft
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Philip Bockholt
translapt@uni-muenster.de