Open Positions

The research training group invites applications for the following positions:

3 fully funded PhD positions

(E-13 TV-L 65%)

starting September 1^st, 2025 for a duration of three years

About Us:

The research training group 2726 “The Sentimental in Literature, Culture, and Politics,” established in April 2022, is located at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and funded by the German Research Foundation. We are an interdisciplinary research training group examining the forms and functions of the sentimental in literature, culture, and politics. The sentimental – understood as a communicative code – can be observed, described, and analyzed in various fields of symbolic interaction: in aesthetic articulations, cultural practices, and in political discourses. We research these manifestations with regard to culture-specific elements as well as transcultural patterns of the sentimental, developing systematic approaches to the subject matter. The disciplines collaborating in the research training group are American Studies, English Studies, Media Studies, Political Science, Chinese Studies, and Sociology.

We offer:

A structured PhD program in an interdisciplinary setting
The chance to pursue a PhD project within the group’s research focus
Excellent supervision and guidance by a team of renowned and experienced researchers
An internship module
Flexible working hours

Your Profile & Application:

Applicants should hold a university degree equivalent to a Master’s or diploma in one of the participating disciplines or subject fields. Excellent language skills in English and/or German are required and have to be documented. The university offers one language course for each program member.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, transcripts of university degrees, a letter of recommendation, a list of publications, a 5-10-page synopsis of the planned research project, and a one-page summary of the synopsis, including a working schedule. Applications are to be submitted electronically as one pdf-file and addressed to the speaker of the research training group Prof. Dr. Heike Paul (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Chair of American Studies, Bismarckstr.1, 91054 Erlangen; heike.paul@fau.de) by June 30, 2025.

In its pursuit of academic excellence, FAU is committed to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity. FAU is a family-friendly employer and responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

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1 Research Coordinator

(E-13 TV-L 50%)

starting September 1^st, 2025 for a duration of 1 year

About Us:

The Role

The research coordinator is responsible for administrative and organizational matters of the research training group and is the main contact person for PhD candidates and visiting researchers. The role of research coordinator is a divided full-time role that will be shared by the current research coordinator (50%) and the successful candidate (50%). The contract is limited to one year with the prospect of a 4,5 year extension and a potential transition to a full-time position subject to the approval of the second funding period of the research training group. Tasks will include:

Planning and organization of the semester program of the research training group
Conference and workshop organization
Support of guest researchers
Administrative matters (Employment contracts, travel cost reimbursement etc.)
Management of finances under the guidance of the speaker of the research training group
Work on publications and the group’s podcast series
Maintenance of the website

We offer:

Flexible working hours
Opportunity to participate in the program of the research training group
An international and interdisciplinary work environment
Further training opportunities in research management

Your Profile & Application:

Applicants should hold a university degree equivalent to a Master’s or diploma in one of the subjects represented in the research training group or another field of the Humanities or Social Sciences. Excellent language skills in German and English are required.

Experience in project work and the field of research organization (conferences and other events) are an asset. Successful applicants are expected to be independent and self-organized, to fulfill their tasks responsibly and with attention to details, and have excellent communication skills.

Applications should include a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, and certificates of university degrees. Applications are to be submitted electronically as one pdf-file and addressed to the speaker of the research training group Prof. Dr. Heike Paul (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Chair of American Studies, Bismarckstr.1, 91054 Erlangen; heike.paul@fau.de) by June 30, 2025.