Research Associate for the Project “Linguistic diversity and social participation across the lifespan” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Education

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.06.2026, fixed until 31.05.2031 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-04-08

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 65 % of standard work hours per week

The Faculty of Education at the University of Hamburg is a leader in conducting innovative and future-oriented research related to the educational and social consequences of diversity resulting from migration and globalization. This strength is now further expanded through the as part of the faculty research center “."

The Humboldt Professorship is devoted to “Linguistic Diversity and Social Participation across the Lifespan” and is closely integrated with the activities of theplatform. The research focus will be on migrant language socialization, language learning, and settlement across the lifespan and outside of institutions of formal education. This includes digital spaces as well as language brokering and other forms of informal language assistance that often undergird institutional communications in linguistically diverse societies.

Your responsibilities

Duties primarily include teaching and research. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

This is a unique opportunity to become part of an education-focused research center that aims to make major contributions to social cohesion in linguistically diverse societies. Together, we will pursue a 5-pronged work strategy of:

• original research through a series of interconnected sociolinguistic ethnographies
• methodological innovation in multilingual qualitative data-sharing
• capacity building in open digital research related to linguistic diversity, language development, and language learning in social life
• industry transfer through the co-design and delivery of professional development programs that make institutions more accessible to linguistically diverse populations
• knowledge dissemination to contribute positively to public debates and policy discourses about linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and language learning

The successful candidate will - individually and as part of the team - undertake the following tasks under the leadership of the Humboldt Professor:

• undertake a research project based on an independent yet linked sociolinguistic-ethnographic project related to linguistic diversity and social participation across the lifespan
• bring together methods, theories, and case studies, and contribute to data-sharing, supplementary data collection and re-analysis as part of an overarching collaborative research design
• contribute to overall team data management
• publish research findings through a variety of traditional and non-traditional outputs, individually and with co-authors
• contribute to teaching (3 LVS) in the Faculty of Education and to creating professional development resources for partner institutions
• contribute to the organization of workshops and other academic events, both internal and outward-facing

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• outstanding graduate degree (Masters or PhD) in applied sociolinguistics or related discipline
• sound knowledge of sociolinguistic ethnographic research approaches
• proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection, management, and analysis
• a solid background in social approaches to intercultural communication, linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and language learning
• research interest in linguistic diversity as it relates to one or more of the following: technology, workplace, family
• experience working in a team and strong commitment to working collaboratively on a joint project
• strong communication skills in spoken and written English
• strong communication skills in spoken and written German
• proficiency in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Ingrid Piller

Dr. Sarah McMonagle

Location

Alsterterrasse 1
20354 Hamburg

Reference number

78

Application deadline

2026-04-08

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.