Research assistant (PhD student)

are available at the DFG-funded Research Training Group 2844 "Staging Religious Atmosphere in Ancient Cultures". The positions are offered for a period of 3 years. The starting date is November 1, 2026. The positions are with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany.

The Research Training Group 2844 investigates the "Staging of Religious Atmosphere in Ancient Cultures" on the basis of textual and material sources with interdisciplinary cooperation. This will offer the Ph.D. candidates unique opportunities to write a subject-oriented dissertation in an inspiring, interdisciplinary and international environment and to build their own independent research profile. The Research Training Group will pursue a teaching and learning community that is open to new theoretical and methodological approaches as well as innovative presentation formats; the fellows will have extensive opportunities to participate in shaping this. Various training opportunities, including practical ones, will allow the candidates to develop their own academic profiles.

For further information on the Research Training Group see:

https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/mcaw/grk2844

For information on current doctoral projects, see in particular:

https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/mcaw/grk2844/forschung/forschungsprojekte-am-grk-2844/ueberblick-der-aktuell-gefoerderten-promotionsvorhaben

Tasks:

• scientific services in research and teaching
• writing a dissertation in the subject area of the Research Training Group
• active in-person participation in the activities of the Research Training Group within the framework of the supervision and qualification programme 

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies with Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). 

Profile:

• completed academic degree (Master's degree, state examination or comparable) with above-average success in any of the the subjects: Ancient History, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Celtic Studies, Christian Archaeology and Byzantine Art History, Classical Archaeology, Egyptology, Greek Studies, Historical-Comparative Linguistics, Latin Studies, Law, ideally with a focus on Roman Law, Medicine, New Testament, Old Testament, Pharmacy, and Religious Studies/History of Religion.
• ability to work in a team, determination and readiness for interdisciplinary cooperation
• basic knowledge of German is desired 

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

We offer:

• writing a dissertation in an outstanding research environment with international fellows
• structured doctoral supervision through a mentoring programme
• comprehesive self-guided study and qualification programme that you can shape yourself
• collegial and family-friendly working environment
• training, counseling, and support services provided by the Marburg University Research Academy (MARA), the International Office, and the Departments for Education and Human Resources at Philipps University of Marburg 

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

We invite you to submit your own proposals for doctoral projects, which can come from the following subjects:

Ancient History, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Celtic Studies, Christian Archaeology and Byzantine Art History, Classical Archaeology, Egyptology, Greek Studies, Historical-Comparative Linguistics, History of Pharmacy/History of Medicine, Latin Studies, Law with a focus on Roman Law, New Testament, Old Testament, and Religious Studies/History of Religion.

In addition to the usual documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae with list of publications, qualification certificates, and, if applicable, proof of academic activities), please submit a three-page proposal (including work plan and timetable) of your planned doctoral project, based on a research question that is of interdisciplinary relevance to the theme of the RTG. In addition, we expect two letters of recommendation from university teachers, as well as – if applicable – your thesis (M.A., state examination, etc.).

The interviews with the candidates will be conducted in person on June 23, 2026.

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in the Social Security Code (Section 2(2) and (3) of Book IX of the Social Security Code (SGB IX)) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Furthermore, we invite you to contact the representatives of the subject(s) relevent to your research propsal for the subject-specific design of the exposé:

https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/mcaw/grk2844/mitglieder/fachvertretung

Please apply by June 12, 2026 via the button bellow.