Research Associate (PhD Position) for the history, economy and law of the early islamic empire, in association with the “Romanislam Center for Comparative Empire and Transcultural Studies” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
Institution: Faculty of Humanities, Asia-Africa-Studies, Islamic Studies
Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L
Start date: as soon as possible, fixed until 31.12.2027 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline: 2026-02-23
Scope of work: part-time
Weekly hours: 50 % of standard work hours per week
Your responsibilities
Duties further include academic services in the mentioned research field and the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.
Specific Duties:
The professorship of Islamic Studies works in field of Early Islamic and Comparative Empire studies. The applicant will work within an interdisciplinary environment. The position requires an active participation and engagement in the activities of the professorship of Islamic Studies at the Asien Afrika Institute () and the RomanIslam Center for Comparative Empire and Transcultural Studies (), i.e. coordinating the websites, lecture series, workshops, research colloquia and further activities in the field.
The RomanIslam Center of Comparative Empire and Transcultural Studies convenes the disciplines of comparative empire and transcultural studies. The approach aims to compare transcultural acculturisation processes during the first millennium CE, or the so-called „Long Late Antiquity“, including the Early Islamic Period.
The successful applicant will concentrated on the political, economic, or cultural history of the early Islamic Empire and the period of the regional states. A successful PhD-thesis is expected in the field of administrative divisions, political structures, imperial religions versus local believes, economy, the transformation of cities, etc.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
An excellent university degree (MA) in a relevant fields of Middle Eastern, and North African Studies or Studies on the Islamic Iberian Peninsula, excellent Arabic language skills, experience with Arabic historical primary sources, excellent knowledge of English, and French, are required.
The knowledge of further languages relevant for the study of the Islamic Empire, such as Syriac, Spanish, Latin, etc. is advantageous.
Experience in working with additional sources, such as archaeological, numismatic, material culture, GIS is welcome but not a requirement.
The applicant is expected to conduct doctoral studies in a field relevant to the early Islamic and its successor states.
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. Stefan Heidemann
(after 3 pm)
or consult our website at
Katharina Mewes
Location
Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, Ost
20146 Hamburg
Reference number
22
Application deadline
2026-02-23
Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:
- a cover letter
- a tabular curriculum vitae
- copies of degree certificate(s)
- please add the names of two references that should be uploaded with your documents
If you experience technical problems, send an email to .
More information on in selection procedures.