Academic Coordinator of the Theory Hub

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Cluster of Excellence “Imaginamics: Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining” is offering a full-time (100%, 40 hours per week) position as an

Academic Coordinator of the Theory Hub

to commence on 01.01.2026 for a fixed term expiring on 31.12.2032.

The Cluster of Excellence “Imaginamics” is an interdisciplinary research project of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena that conducts research on the practices and dynamics of social imagining. Funded by the German Excellence Strategy, it brings together scholars from multiple departments. The Cluster’s work distinguishes itself from extant research on social imaginaries by focusing on processes, practices, and dynamics of social imagining.

“Imaginamics” is organized into three Research Areas. Each seeks to advance a specific field of inquiry through the analysis of case studies, while three Hubs explore intersections between the three Areas (for more information, see https://www.uni-jena.de/imaginamics).

The Theory Hub is dedicated to generating praxis-oriented theories of social imagining and refining the concept’s definition. Motivated by open questions in cultural and social theory, the Hub seeks to develop an overarching theoretical framework for grappling with the conditions, functions, and effects of social imagining. In doing so, the Hub exemplifies cutting-edge practices of theoretical work by exploring the relations between a wide range of concepts and theories.

Your responsibilities:

• Facilitate and organize the work of the Theory Hub, which will include convening working groups and other modes of collaboration.
• Develop and organize academic events (colloquia, workshops and conferences).
• Guide the compilation and editing of the “Living Handbook of Social Imagining,” which will serve as the foundation for the articulation of a comprehensive theory of social imagining.
• Together with other scholars in the Cluster, conduct research on fundamental concepts and their historical genesis, engage with central concepts and theories from a diverse set of discursive and disciplinary perspectives, and bring them together in a fruitful way.
• Edit contributions to the handbook (planned as a digital Open Access publication) and serve as the point of contact during the production process.

Your profile:

• Doctoral degree in the social sciences, cultural studies or humanities with an excellent grade.
• Research focus with a clear connection to the scholarship of “Imaginamics” and specialization in theoretical/conceptual analysis.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and a desire to learn about and engage with other disciplines.
• You are a team player, friendly, motivated, and well organized.
• Fluent in German and English.

Unsure about whether to apply? We encourage you to apply anyways and give us the chance to get to know one another!

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at a salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications — including a special annual payment.
• A stimulating work environment with numerous opportunities for personal initiative.
• Support for professional development and further training in science management.
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families, including the University Family Office (JUniFamilie) and flexible childcare (JUniKinder).

The University of Jena has received multiple awards for its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and its family-friendly work environment. The university seeks to employ more women, first-generation college graduates, people with a history of migration, and people of eastern German background. Severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential consideration.

Please submit a cover letter, CV, certificates, diplomas, and other documentation as well as up to two references for letters of recommendation.

Interviews will take place in person in Jena in October 2025, probably in calendar week 43. Unfortunately, the university cannot reimburse expenses incurred for travel to the interview.

Interested? Apply by 24.09.2025 using our online form.