Doctoral researcher position (m/f/x)

Faculty of Protestant Theology.

In order to fill a fixed‑term part‑time (29.8725 hours per week) position at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a doctoral researcher in the field of theology, religious studies, philosophy, ethics, or a closely related discipline.

• Doctoral Researcher Position (m/f/x)
• The Collaborative Research Centre 1759 “Habitability as a
• Fundamental
• Planetary

Process: Towards a Paradigm Shift Away from Our Perception of the Uniqueness of Earth” is funded by the German Research Foundation.

Within project C05 “Colonisation”, a part‑time doctoral researcher position is available.

The position is fixed‑term until 30 June 2030 and starts at the earliest possible date.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a doctoral research project on religious, theological, philosophical, and ethical models of human space exploration and settlement.
• Prepare a systematic overview of historical and contemporary literature on human space exploration, planetary protection, and human settlements on the Moon, Mars, and potentially exoplanets.
• Perform hermeneutical analyses of theological, religious, philosophical, and ethical texts and debates.
• Identify and categorise models of exploration, colonisation, responsibility, planetary protection, and future human societies.
• Analyse the historical development of concepts and narratives concerning human space exploration and their underlying religious, philosophical, and ethical values.
• Examine current scientific, political, public, and religious debates on space exploration in relation to the historical and conceptual models identified.
• Collaborate with other work packages and projects within the CRC.
• Contribute to joint publications and other interdisciplinary research outputs.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and symposia.
• Participate actively in the working groups, meetings, and collaborative activities of CRC 1759.
• Profile
• Completed a master’s degree or equivalent in theology, religious studies, philosophy, ethics, history of science, or a closely related discipline.
• Sound knowledge of at least one of the following fields: ethics of technology, environmental ethics, theological anthropology, philosophy of science, philosophy of technology, religion and science, future studies.
• Strong interest in the ethical, religious, philosophical, and societal dimensions of space exploration and human settlement beyond Earth.
• Excellent knowledge of hermeneutical and historical research methods.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers from the natural sciences, psychology, communication science, and other humanities disciplines.
• Excellent written and spoken English proficiency.
• Good knowledge of German or willingness to acquire sufficient German‑language proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and systematically as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Flexibility, reliability, strong organisational skills, and a high level of academic commitment.
• No regular teaching obligations associated with the position (funded exclusively through external third‑party funding).
• Offer
• Qualified onboarding and induction process.
• Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking).
• Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr.
• Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team.
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities.
• A position in the heart of the Ruhr metropolitan region with diverse cultural offerings.

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV‑L).

If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV‑L.

Apply until 10 August 2026. Please mention the reference number ANR 5934. The application portal opens on 2026‑08‑01 and closes on 2026‑08‑10.

Contact

Dr. Michael Waltemathe, Tel. +49 234 32 22275.

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

Equality and Diversity

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities.

For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are under‑represented in our respective professional areas.

The Ruhr‑Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women.

In areas in which they are under‑represented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates.

Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

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