The Faculty of Media at the Bauhaus University Weimar is seeking candidates for two part-time (65%) doctoral positions within the »Imaginamics: Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining«—subject to the conclusion of the relevant transfer agreement—effective January 1, 2027, 2 part-time (65 %) doctoral positions (m/w/d) are to be filled at the Digital Hub established within the Department of Media Studies for a term of 4 years.
The Digital Hub is part of the DFG Cluster of Excellence »Imaginamics«, which examines the process of social imagination and the associated practices and dynamics from an interdisciplinary perspective. The cluster consists of three research areas and three transdisciplinary hubs (for more information, visit https://www.uni-jena.de/imaginamics).
The Digital Hub focuses on the relationship between media technologies and social imagination, particularly with regard to the transformation of collective imaginaries through algorithms, platforms, and virtual reality. In doing so, it not only fosters a dialogue between media-theoretical approaches and application-oriented research in media informatics. The Hub also offers a historical perspective on media-supported and media-driven imaginaries since the 19th century to reflect on fundamental, cross-epochal upheavals in the social practice of imagination. The Digital Hub views media as active shapers of cohesion and/or division, as creators and stabilizers of group identities, and as generators of social, cultural, and political conflicts in democracies and beyond.
The Digital Hub addresses these research questions in the forums »Imaginary Media« and »Immersive Practices and Social Imagining«, as well as in the working group »Understanding Socio-Technical Imagining«. In this context, we are seeking two doctoral candidates to address and further develop the Hub’s research questions and topics (https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/medien/forschung/digital-hub/).
Your responsibility:
- You will conduct an independent research project (doctoral dissertation) in one of the aforementioned areas, thereby making an innovative contribution to the Digital Hub’s research.
- You will participate in interdisciplinary exchange within the cluster and, through your presence and collaboration, contribute to the success of the overall project.
- You will actively participate in the Digital Hub’s forums, working groups, and events, as well as in conferences, workshops, and publications related to »Imaginamics« research.
You will have:
- You have completed a graduate degree (Master’s, state examination, diploma, or international equivalent) in media, cultural, or social sciences with above-average academic performance.
- Your dissertation project is clearly related to the »Imaginamics« research program and addresses the question of how (digital) media intervene in processes and practices of social imagination.
- You have an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
- You are a team player with a friendly demeanor, a strong work ethic, determination, and good self-management skills.
We offer you:
- Compensation in accordance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector of the German states (TV-L), based on your qualifications, at pay grade E13.
- A diverse, stimulating, and dynamic work environment with numerous opportunities to take the initiative.
- The opportunity to participate in the colloquia and workshops of the structured doctoral program of »Imaginamics« (Research School).
- Supervision by researchers involved in the cluster and close integration into the cluster’s work structures, working groups, and forums.
- Support for individual development and professional training needs.
- A family-friendly work environment with a wide range of support services.
To apply, please submit the following documents:
Cover letter,
Outline of the research project (3 – 5 pages),
A concise writing sample in the form of a chapter or essay, e.g., from a publication or your thesis,
Resume,
Diplomas or transcripts,
2 references for potential letters of recommendation.
Please explain in your application how your project relates to the research questions of the cluster and, in particular, to the Digital Hub’s research program:
www.uni-jena.de/unijenamedia/402457/imaginamics-definitions-and-guiding-assumptions.pdf
Diversity and equal opportunity are important priorities for the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. We are committed to a family-friendly and non-discriminatory work environment and pursue a personnel policy that promotes equality and diversity. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and life stories. A strategic goal of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is to increase the proportion of women in the scientific, artistic, and academic fields. We therefore expressly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. People with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.
The workplace is located in Weimar. Employees are expected to be physically present at the workplace on a regular basis. The university is happy to assist newly hired employees with relocating, within the limits of its capabilities, if needed.
Please submit your application in German or English by mail or digitally as a single PDF file, quoting reference number M/WP-09/26 by October 31, 2026, to
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Fakultät Medien
Frau Dr. Jana Zündel
Bauhausstraße 11
99423 Weimar
E-Mail: jana.zuendel@uni-weimar.de
If you have any questions, please contact the academic coordinator, Jana Zündel, at +49 3643-583685. We look forward to receiving your application.
Please note our information on data protection in accordance with Article 13 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).