Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in African Studies

The Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth, funded by the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments, invites applications for a position (100 %) for a to commence on October 1, 2022 or as soon as possible after this date. The contract period will end on December 31, 2025. If the personal and collectively agreed conditions are met, the salary will fall into the pay grade E 13 TV-L. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the Dean and the board members of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence in the development of new conceptual approaches and thematic fields designed to advance the cluster agenda. The position also offers the opportunity for independent research within the framework of the Africa Multiple Cluster, and in conjunction with its African Cluster Centres in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Prerequisite for applications is a track record in the study of Africa and a doctoral degree in the humanities, the social sciences, or in another academic discipline represented in or complementary to the Cluster (for an overview, see https://www.africamultiple.uni-bayreuth.de/en/Research/1research-sections/index.html). The successful candidate needs to have the capacity for teamwork in an interdisciplinary research environment. Her*his tasks include the provision of academic services to support the Dean, such as preparing and documenting meetings, corresponding and liaising with cluster members at the five Cluster locations, providing bibliographical resources, drafting conceptual notes, and supporting the cluster’s publication strategy. We particularly encourage candidacies of researchers with administrative experience and proven expertise in theory and method in African Studies. Familiarity with intersectional approaches and decolonial thought is desired. Fluency in English (spoken and written), the cluster’s working language, is required. German language skills are welcome but not a precondition. Additional language skills, especially in French and African languages, will be an asset. The Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence and the University of Bayreuth view the diversity of its staff as an asset and are expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women and persons who can help make the research profile of the cluster and the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority. Applications should include a cover letter, a full CV, copies of degree certificates or diplomas, the contact data of two academic references, and a short outline of ideas about the current state and future directions of the field of African Studies. Applications should be submitted via the online application portal, indicating the password “Africa Multiple”. Review of applications will start immediately after the end of the deadline, September 15, 2022. Contact: Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Seesemann, ruediger.seesemann@uni-bayreuth.de