Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence Understanding Written Artefacts” (Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures) § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Cluster of Excellence „Understanding Written Artefacts“

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.02.2027, fixed until 31.01.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-11-22

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

The Cluster of Excellence ‘Understanding Written Artefacts’ (UWA) is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to pursue an independent research project that foregrounds the Jewish Cemetery of Altona and explores its potential as a rich repository of written artefacts and a valuable source for innovative research in Jewish Studies. UWA offers an exciting opportunity to research handwritten artefacts across materials, periods and regions within a collaborative team of doctoral, postdoctoral and senior/professorial researchers. You will be part of an international team of researchers from across over forty disciplines in the Humanities, the Natural Sciences and Computer Science. The Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures is by now the largest research centre of its kind worldwide and offers a uniquely dynamic research environment.

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

You will pursue an independent research project that fits the overall comparative research profile of UWA. You will contribute to the cluster’s research programme through your active engagement in its collaborative research activities. Activities include participation in research meetings, academic publications, organising scholarly events, and maintaining and developing cooperations and relevant networks.

In particular, you will work as part of the Project Group 1 “Turning Rock into Pixels,” contributing a Jewish Studies perspective to its interdisciplinary research agenda and actively participating in the development of the Altona Cemetery Virtual Research Environment (ACVRE). See further information here.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

You hold an excellent University degree in Jewish studies or a related discipline, demonstrating your expertise in the study of early modern Judaism, Jewish history, Jewish Thought, Hebrew palaeography, Jewish epigraphy, or other relevant research fields. You have either obtained your doctorate or submitted your PhD thesis by the time of the application deadline. Fluency in English and a very good command of Hebrew are required.

You have a strong research profile in the study of written artefacts. An interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across the Humanities and at the interfaces between the Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science is essential.

Additional desirable qualifications and experience include:

knowledge of other project-relevant languages, such as Judeo-Spanish, Portuguese, German or Yiddish
initial experience in Digital Humanities and in database development
a publication record commensurate with career stage
experience with interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects
ability to work effectively as part of a team

You must apply with a project proposal (in English) of max. 2,500 words (plus bibliography), including a brief summary, state of the art/literature review, a detailed project description, a 3-year schedule and a budget plan for additional research expenditure such as field trips and conference participation. The proposed project must fit the overall research profile of UWA and applicants are encouraged to address one or two of UWA’s core objectives in their project proposal.

For further information, see the information for applicants as well as the UWA website on Research.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

The successful candidate can benefit from a range of tailored support measures at the cluster, which include,

additional funding for a range of research activities, including fieldwork;
postdoctoral mentoring programmes;
workshops to support your career planning;
intensive training courses for writing grant applications;
promoting equity and diversity.

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements (background check and data protection information).