M_WP_08_26

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is an internationally established university that looks back on 160 years of history and sees itself in the tradition of the Bauhaus. It combines science, technology, art, and design. This approach significantly shapes the self-image of the faculties of Media, Architecture and Urbanism, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Art and Design. Beyond their subject-specific tasks, the faculties are particularly committed to interdisciplinary cooperation and the integration of practice, art, and science.

As part of the »Imaginamics« Cluster of Excellence established in collaboration with Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Faculty of Media at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Department of Media Studies, is seeking to fill a

W3-professorship in
»Algorithmic Imagining«

effective October 1, 2027.

The »Imaginamics« Cluster of Excellence is a third-party-funded, cross-faculty, and cross-university research initiative that examines the phenomenon of social imagining from an interdisciplinary perspective. Unlike previous approaches to social imaginaries, which were mostly content-oriented, the cluster focuses on the process of social imagining and the associated practices and dynamics (for further information, please visit https://www.uni-jena.de/imaginamics).

The overarching mission of the professorship is to investigate, critically question, and theoretically co-design interactions between different types of algorithms and processes of social imagining. Examples include the transformation of literary and artistic practices through generative Artificial Intelligence and/or virtual museums; the emergence and evolution of cultural discourses by means of (serious) gaming or social VR; and the social, cultural, and intellectual history of algorithmic modes of thinking and acting.

Within the cluster, the professorship will play a key role in the planning and organization of the »Digital Hub«, as well as in fostering collaboration between scholars in the humanities and social sciences and computer scientists. We are seeking a researcher with a strong research record who will approach these tasks in substantial and innovative ways. Experience in securing external funding, in academic teaching, and in supervising doctoral projects is required.

The general requirements for appointment are set forth in § 84 of the Thuringian Higher Education Act. Specific academic requirements include, among other things, a completed university degree, an outstanding doctoral dissertation, and an additional qualification (e.g., a Habilitation or an evaluated junior professorship) in media studies, cultural studies, or related fields. Similar qualifications in computer science, information science, or other relevant disciplines related to digital and algorithmic systems are also acceptable.

Candidates are expected to have a research focus in areas such as Artificial Intelligence Studies, Critical Code Studies, or Data Studies; proven expertise in media studies, literary theory and art theory, as well as the history of technology and/or media; and the ability to develop an independent research profile closely aligned with the topics of the Cluster of Excellence. A thorough understanding of the conceptual, technical, and operational functioning of algorithmic systems is required.

We expect demonstrated expertise for teaching in our German- and English-language degree programs »Medienkultur« (Bachelor’s), »Medienwissenschaft« (Master’s), and »MediaEcologies« (Master’s). Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to productively integrate theoretical, historical, and cultural studies perspectives into interdisciplinary collaboration with the Department of Media Informatics and to teach these perspectives in ways that are compatible with programs such as »Human-Computer Interaction« (Master’s).

We expect candidates to be willing to acquire, within three years, any German language skills they may lack that are necessary for teaching in German and for active participation in university committees. In addition, we require a willingness to collaborate with the other professsorships in the Department of Media Studies, as well as with other departments and faculties at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, and to assume responsibility in academic self-governance.

For more information about the current courses and research focuses in media studies at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, please visit www.uni-weimar.de/de/medien/struktur/fachbereich-medienwissenschaft.

Diversity and equal opportunity are important concerns at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. We are committed to a family-friendly and non-discriminatory working environment and pursue an equality-promoting, diversity-oriented personnel policy. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences, and biographies. One of the strategic goals of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is to increase the proportion of women in scientific, artistic, and academic fields. We therefore expressly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

The university expects applicants to be willing to relocate to Weimar or the surrounding area. The university will be happy to assist you with the relocation.

Please submit your application in German or English, including the standard documents (such as a cover letter, CV, copies of transcripts and certificates, a list of publications, a list of courses taught and teaching evaluations, an overview of talks and presentations as well as third-party funding activities, and a research agenda) by mail or, preferably, in digital form as a single PDF file, citing reference number M/WP-08/26, by October 15, 2026 to:

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Fakultät Medien
Dekanat
Frau Susanne Rößler
Bauhausstraße 11
99423 Weimar

E-Mail: dekanat[at]medien.uni-weimar.de

If you have any questions, please contact the managing director of the Faculty of Media, Ms. Susanne Rößler, at 03643-583708.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Information on data protection
Please note that unencrypted communication via email carries the inherent risk that the parties involved in the transmission may be able to view the contents of the message. As Bauhaus-Universität Weimar cannot guarantee that your email will be received in encrypted form, we would like to point out that you can also send your application by post to the above address. By submitting your application documents in electronic form, you consent to the email and its attachments being checked for malicious code, viruses, and spam, to the necessary data being temporarily stored, and to further correspondence being conducted (unencrypted) by email. Further information on data protection in accordance with Art. 13 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR) can be found under: »Information on data protection for applicants« on our website at https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/aktuell/stellenausschreibungen/datenschutz.

Please note that only the German-language version of this job vacancy notice is legally binding.