MWK_01/2026 Distinguished Fellowships (f/m/x)

Organisation/Company: Universität Erfurt

Department: Dezernat 2: Personal

Research Field: Sociology, History, Economics, Philosophy, Other

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: Master Positions

Application Deadline: 31 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)

Country: Germany

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Negotiable

Hours Per Week: 26-40

Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2027

Reference Number: MWK_01/2026

Offer Description:

Re-founded in 1994 as a reform university, the University of Erfurt considers itself a research-oriented university that is highly committed to international cooperation as well as innovation in teaching and learning, with a special focus on teacher-training programs. With its strong profile in the humanities, cultural studies as well as social sciences and education, it is a cosmopolitan place for academic debate on key social and cultural challenges.

The Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies (MWK) combines the functions of an Institute for Advanced Study where fellows work on interdisciplinary research projects for a limited period of time, and a permanent Research Training Group offering young academics a structured doctoral or postdoctoral phase. The Centre pursues a Weberian research programme that follows an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to the cultural and social sciences which allows for great historical depth, encourages the pursue of normative questions and uses social‑science, historical and hermeneutic methods.

What we expect:

• a completed university degree (at the MA level)
• a qualified doctorate and, if possible, additional academic achievements, usually demonstrated by a postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) or within the framework of a junior professorship
• experience with and interest in interdisciplinary research
• scientific curiosity and willingness to exchange ideas
• German language skills: if possible, basic knowledge (level at least comparable to A1) in oral language use
• English language skills: excellent knowledge (level at least comparable to C1) in oral and written language use

What we offer:

• We promote the compatibility of career and family/private life, in particular through flexible working hours, teleworking/mobile working, sabbaticals, etc.
• As part of the university health management system, there are a number of health and prevention services available.
• The University of Erfurt sees itself as an open-minded employer that values diversity. It is committed to diversity and gender equality and welcomes applications that contribute to this.
• The University of Erfurt has successfully passed the “shaping diversity” audit, has been audited as a “family-friendly university” and regularly participates successfully in the female professor programme of the federal and state governments. One of the university’s strategic goals is increasing the proportion of women in research and teaching.
• Severely disabled persons and those with equal status are given preference in the case of equal suitability, professional performance, and ability.
• Fellows will be provided with housing, if possible, in the International Guest House of the University of Erfurt. Costs related to the stay in Erfurt (travel costs) will be reimbursed.

Selection Procedure:

• Eligibility check by directors of MWK
• Reviews by experts
• Interviews with the selection committee
• Shortlist by selection committee
• Pre-selection/advice by advisory board of MWK
• Decision by the Council (Kollegrat) of MWK

Part‑time employment is possible in principle. The extent to which a part‑time request can be met, particularly with regard to the location and scope of the part‑time work, must be examined on a case‑by‑case basis.