Research Assistant (PhD/Postdoc) - Department of Art History (Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gehring)

Far-sighted for people and society: Trier University conducts relevant research and teaching for nature, society, culture and a sustainable future. At the heart of its work are innovation, diversity, and close cooperation in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer across disciplinary and geographical boundaries. With more than 10,000 students in the humanities and social science s and around 2,000 employees, Trier University is one of the largest employers in the European border region of Trier. Short distances across a green campus, a welcoming culture shaped by diversity and tolerance, and a vibrant academic life provide the freedom to develop individual potential.

The Department of Art History at Faculty III (Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gehring) invites applications for the following position to be filled from 1 April 2027:

Research Assistant (PhD/Postdoc) (m/f/x)

E 13 TV-L, 100 % (Postdoc) or 2x 50% (PhD), temporary for qualification according to WissZeitVG for three years. An extension may be considered according to the regulations of the WissZeitVG.

The Department of Art History covers a broad range of subjects from the Middle Ages to the Contemporary Period across three chairs and emphasises curatorial practice through its Print Collection and the »»generator | media art lab.

Your responsibilities

• Writing a thesis (PhD or habilitation) in the field of Art History or Visual Studies in Early Modern or Modern period.
• Teaching responsibilities.
• Assistance to the chair in matters of research, teaching and organization.
• Instruction of student assistants.
• Contribution to publications and conferences, preferably in English.
• Participation in research associations, primarily TRANSMARE.

Qualifications and Requirements

A research interest in the Early Modern or Modern Period especially the interaction between art and science. A strong on-site presence, a structured approach to work, and active engagement in the department are essential. Above-average English skills are expected. The prerequisite for employment is a master’s degree or comparable academic degree in Art History, Visual Studies, or History of Science (M.A., Diplom, or equivalent). For the pursuit of a habilitation a completed PhD, preferably in the field of Early Modern or Modern Art, is required.

Participation in ongoing and future projects in context of TRANSMARE is desired. The development of a maritime focus in the profile of Trier University has led to these projects being a vital part of an interdisciplinary graduate education that offers optimal support for one’s own progress. For further information see the interdisciplinary research association TRANSMARE as well as its subsidiary disciplinary research platform ultra[marine]. However, a maritime context is not obligatory. The recruitment requirements are set out in Section 57 (2) and (4) of the Higher Education Act (HochSchG) of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

What we offer

• A lively and collegial working and research environment at Trier University.
• A diverse professional field in research, teaching and project management.
• In-depth research into art historical questions.
• Strengthening of your own academic profile through exchange with (international) specialist colleagues
• Opportunity for involvement in the interdisciplinary research association TRANSMARE.
• A comprehensive range of further training programmes and opportunities for further qualification at the graduate centre.
• Attractive living and working environment in a historic city in the international neighbourhood of Luxembourg (12 km) and France (50 km)

The position is suitable for part -time employment. Trier University is committed to increasing the number of female employees and strongly encourages women to apply. Severely disabled persons and persons treated as such under Section 2 (3) of SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitably qualified (please enclose proof).

Application Instructions

Please send your application as a single PDF file by 30 November 2026 to:
[email protected]
cc/ [email protected]
Universität Trier, Fachbereich III
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gehring
54286 Trier 54286 Trier

Contact for enquiries:
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gehring
Tel. +49 651 201-2125 Mail: [email protected]

Please submit your application documents [letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, list of publications and – if available, – a short outline of the qualification thesis] without folders or covers and only as uncertified copies, as the documents will not be returned but will instead be destroyed in accordance with data protection requirements. For further information on the processing of your personal data, please refer to the privacy notice for application procedures pursuant to Article 13 GDPR on our website. Application deadline is 30 November 2026.