Research Assistant (f/m/x) at the Institute of Ethnology - Köln

Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Research Assistant (f/m/x)

Institute of Ethnology

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Institute of Ethnology at the University of Cologne is one of the largest institutions in its field in the German-speaking world. Its research focuses include global interconnections, migration, and processes of social transformation.

YOUR TASKS

• Provide conceptual and organizational support to establish a Centre for Heritage, Museum and Memory Studies; assist with events and external funding applications in the start-up phase

• Conduct independent research in heritage or memory and environmental studies (heritage ecologies), preferably focused on non-European contexts

• Delivery of teaching modules (4 teaching units per week) and supervision of examination modules

• Design and establishment of an international M.A. programme in Critical Heritage Studies and accreditation; coordination with regional and international European partner institutions; support during the initial application phases, academic advising (including for international students, where visa requirements apply), organization of core programme formats (e.g. summer school, welcome events, buddy programme, internships); quality assurance, evaluation and coordination with university bodies as well as with regional and international cooperation partners; support for transformation and further development processes of the programme and the Heritage research focus

• There is an opportunity to pursue professional development objectives in accordance with Section 2(1) of the Wiss-ZeitVG, including the development of new research specialisms, gaining experience within the German higher education system (prerequisite: first-time employment at a German university), academic preparation for periods abroad, and developing the skills required for a professional career outside academia.

YOUR PROFILE

• A completed PhD in Heritage Studies, Ethnology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, History, Art History, Area Studies, Environmental Studies, or a related subject; a research focus on Heritage Ecologies is desirable

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• An independent, structured, and team-oriented approach to work

• Experience in the design, development, or coordination of international M.A. programmes

• Very good command of German and English; knowledge of French and Arabic, Turkish, or another non-European language is desirable

WE OFFER

• Active involvement in shaping a new, internationally oriented Master’s programme and research focus

• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

• Support in balancing work and family life

• Extensive advanced training opportunities

• Occupational health management offers

• Flexible working time models

• Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available immediately on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is a three-year fixed-term contract. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with a cover letter, a CV (max 5 pages incl. select publication list), and a research proposal (2 pages) and proof of the required qualifications without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2605-02. The application deadline is 07.06.2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Mirjam Brusius (mbrusius@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.