W2 Professorship Social​/Cultural Anthropology Focus Diversity Studies; LBesG; m​/f​/d

Organisation/Company Universität Trier Research Field Anthropology Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Positions Other Positions Final date to receive applications 2 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number P02/26 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Trier University engages in socially relevant research and teaching at the cutting edge, with a strong focus on digitalization, interdisciplinarity and diversity. The focus of this research is on the relationship between individuals and the social, legal, economic and environmental contexts in which they live. With over 10,000students and around 2,000 employees, Trier University is one of the largest employers in the European border region of Trier.

Short distances on a green campus, a lively academic life and an open-minded working culture offer many opportunities to achieve meaningful outcomes.

The following position is to be filled in in the Department of Sociology/Social Anthropology at Trier University at the earliest possible date as a permanent civil servant (“Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit”):

W2 Professorship for Social/Cultural Anthropology with a Focus on Diversity Studies (LBesG) (m/f/d)

If the legal requirements for civil servant status are not met, employment may be possible under a private employment contract. The professorship involves representation of the designated field in both research and teaching.

The future holder of this position should have an excellent track record in research and teaching in the field of diversity and transculturality in the context of transformation processes. Requirements for appointments include a successful doctoral thesis in social/cultural anthropology or closely related fields, as well as relevant empirical research in diversity studies and in a transnational context.

Research interests in the areas of transnationalism, migration and border regimes, negotiation of belonging, but also anthropological perspectives on economic orders, legal cultures and property regimes are desirable. In addition, the professorship will provide key impetus for the methodological development of the department. Ethnographic approaches are desirable here, especially in the sense of reflexive, relational and collaborative anthropology.

Embedded in international research networks and through a clear positioning in the global discourse field of ‘Anthropologies of Transformation’, the professorship contributes to the international visibility of Trier University. At the same time, it strengthens the relevance in teaching for current debates in the field – for example, on epistemic diversity, ethics in field research or public forms of anthropological knowledge production - and establishes links to topics related to education and learning.

International networks, the implementation of research projects and the acquisition of third-party funding, as well as interdisciplinary cooperation are expected. References to the department's other transformation topics (sustainability, digitalization and health) are an advantage. Applicants should have a proven track record of relevant publications.

Anthropology is integrated into an inclusive study concept at the University of Trier. The position focuses on teaching courses in the social science BA programs (sociology and social sciences) and the master's programs in sociology. A high degree of interdisciplinary connectivity and openness to the economics programs in the department is therefore desirable. In the future, we plan to expand our involvement in teacher training in the area of diversity.

In addition, anthropology is involved in interdisciplinary research networks and initiatives (such as the European Research Centre, the Leibniz Science Campus ‘Resiliences’ and the Centre for Post-Colonial and Gender Studies).

The official duties are defined in § 48 HochSchG. Appointment requirements follow § 49 HochSchG. A completed university degree, a qualified…