Your area of work
Societal developments fundamentally shape how we collectively engage with the past. Crises have a lasting impact on the ways in which cultural memory is shaped. You will analyse these dynamics within the DFG-funded research focus “Cultural Memory in Crisis” at the TH Köln (Research Impulse 115). Your contribution will advance research on cultural memory with particular attention to the diverse influences of crises.

Key areas of focus include, for example, the impact of the climate crisis on cultural memory (with special emphasis on the preservation of cultural assets and heritage), the shaping of urban memory in a post-migrant society amid crisis-ridden structures, and the effects of digital transformation of cultural memory, particularly through artificial intelligence. In pursuing this research, you will combine methods from the humanities and cultural studies/sciences with participatory and design-based practices. Doing so, you comprehensively examine the societal contexts of cultural memory in times of crisis, and look closely at strategies for coping and resilience mechanisms.

Through your research, you will strengthen the profiles of the DFG Research Impulse and the participating faculties of Cultural Sciences, Architecture, and Applied Social Sciences, while actively acquiring third-party funding. In teaching, you will represent the field of “Memory Cultures” in the faculties’ master’s programmes with a teaching load of nine semester hours per week. You will offer courses in both German and English. In addition, you will actively participate in academic self-governance and be willing to assume responsibility in this area.
 

Your profile
You hold a university degree in the humanities or cultural studies/sciences and/or in the disciplines of architecture and design, as well as a doctorate completed with distinction in cultural studies/sciences or a comparable field—ideally with a focus on memory studies or the thematic areas mentioned above. In addition, substantial research and teaching experience at a university, university of applied sciences, or another research or cultural institution is desirable.

You have at least five years of professional experience, three of which were gained outside the higher education sector, or you have a German Habilitation title. Alternatively, this requirement may be fulfilled by means of an expert report certifying achievements equivalent to a Habilitation. Such a report may be issued by a university professor or a habilitated professor at a university of applied sciences. Otherwise, you may demonstrate your certifying achievements with a positively evaluated interim review of a junior professorship.

The position requires the ability to teach in German and English. Therefore, very good proficiency in German and English is expected, or a willingness to acquire these language skills during the initial period.

The appointment is made within a fixed-term private-law employment relationship. If the candidate meets the requirements, appointment to a temporary civil servant status may be also possible. The TH Köln will determine eligibility for such status on a case-by-case basis.
 

We foster a culture of empowerment and cooperation. International science standards, gender equality and inclusion are the guiding principles of our human resources development. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and seek to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Thus, applications from women are given priority in case of equal suitability, qualification and professional expertise in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz). Disabled persons and persons with comparable status are also given preference in case of equal suitability.

Further information regarding the job profile, appointment process and application is available HERE.