Job Opportunities
In the profile area "Vormoderne [Pre-Modernity]" in the Department of History at the Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology, the following position is available to be filled at the earliest possible date
W3/W1TTW3 professorship "General History with special consideration of pre-modern history" (1000-1500)
We are looking for a nationally and internationally recognised scholar of pre-modern history with a focus on the High and Late Middle Ages (1000-1500). Broad teaching experience and two research specialisations are expected, at least one of which must be in the field of European history. Research and teaching experience with global perspectives are desirable.
As part of a reform process, the Department of History at Bielefeld University has established departmental profile areas in which academics from different status groups teach and research together without being directly assigned to a particular chair. Curiosity, creativity, disciplinary open-mindedness and shared responsibility characterise the collaboration.
In line with the new structure of Bielefeld History, the professorship is located in the profile area “Vormoderne [History of Pre-Modernity]” (although associations with other profile areas are possible). In line with the tasks involved, we are looking for a person with very good communication and co-operation skills.
The profile area understands the “pre-modern era” as a historical epoch that encompasses the Middle Ages and the early modern period and is distinguished from the "modern era" by its special character. The profile area works on a theory-led understanding of the inherent logic of the "pre-modern era" in all its facets. With his/her expertise in the High and Late Middle Ages, the future post holder, together with colleagues in the profile area, will contribute significantly to an advanced contouring of the epoch in terms of the historicisation of the present through theory-oriented and interdisciplinary teaching and research. The future post holder should actively contribute to the profile area and be involved in the structural and profile-building reforms of the Department of History.
Active participation in the Bielefeld Center for Uncertainty Studies (CeUS), the Centre for Theory in Historical Research and cooperation with the Bielefeld Faculty of Sociology, especially within the framework of the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology, is also expected.
Recruitment requirements are a university degree, pedagogical aptitude, a qualified doctorate in history and additional academic achievements, which are evaluated exclusively and comprehensively in the appointment procedure (§ 36 HG NRW).
In the case of appointment as a W1 professorship, the appointment will initially be for a fixed term of three years with the possibility of extension for a further three years following a positive interim evaluation. In the event of a positive tenure evaluation in the final year, subsequent appointment to a permanent W3 professorship is envisaged. The interim/tenure evaluations are regulated in the statutes on quality assurance for professorships with tenure track (TT).
Tenure track professorships are firmly established at Bielefeld University as an equal appointment option. Tenure-track professors are offered a target group-specific personnel development programme that provides support during the arrival phase and in preparation for the interim and tenure evaluation.
Applications from suitable severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities are expressly encouraged.
The faculty regards gender equality as an important task, which the future holder of the position will help to realise. Bielefeld University has received several awards for its successes in gender equality and is certified as a family-friendly university. We welcome applications from women. The faculty handles applications in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Family time will be taken into account in the selection process.
Bielefeld University supports dual-career constellations in organising a joint work and life centre.
Please submit applications with the usual documents (CV, certificates, teaching list and list of publications with identification of up to 10 most important publications, 2-page research and teaching concept, evaluations and list of acquired third-party funds) online via the Bielefeld University appointment portal by December 15, 2025:
https://berufungen.uni-bielefeld.de
Contact:
Bielefeld University
Dean of the Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology
P.O. Box 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
dekan-gephth@uni-bielefeld.de
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