Research Associate (Postdoctoral Position, m/f/x)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a

Research Associate (Postdoctoral Position, m/f/x)

The Center for Religious Studies (CERES) is a central academic institution at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). CERES initiates and coordinates religion-related activities in research, teaching, early-career development, and knowledge transfer. The position is associated with the Chair for the History of South Asian Religions (Prof. Jessie Pons). Research at the chair focuses on the relationship between religion and materiality in South Asia, with particular emphasis on Buddhism in Gandhara. The successful candidate will join the chair’s research team and contribute to both research and teaching in this area.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 5 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2025-11-30

Your tasks:

• Conduct independent research within the scope of the chair’s focus.
• Contribute to teaching in the Religious Studies programs according to the position’s scope, with the ability and willingness to teach in both German and English.
• Participate actively in the academic life of the chair and CERES, including colloquia, conferences, publications, funding proposals, and public outreach.
• Contribute to academic self-governance, including service on committees and working groups within CERES.

Your profile

• A completed PhD in Religious Studies or a closely related field relevant to South Asian religious traditions (e.g. art history, archaeology, heritage studies), ideally complementing the chair’s expertise in Buddhism.
• Demonstrated philological competence, with proficiency in one South Asian language.
• A strong interdisciplinary profile.
• Interest in pursuing a postdoctoral qualification in the research area of the chair.
• Excellent written and spoken English and the willingness to acquire sufficient proficiency in German within the first two years of employment.
• High reliability, teamwork skills, initiative, and excellent organizational abilities.
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, research-driven environment.