Share page
Faculty of Philology :
Chair for Digital Forensic Linguistics
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25.8895 hours/week = 65%) by December 01, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, we are looking for a
PhD Candidate (65%, m/f/x) in Digital Forensic Linguistics
The position is located in the group headed by Prof. Dr. Tatjana Scheffler (Digital Forensic Linguistics) in the Institute for German Studies. The research focus of the group is the theoretical and computational analysis of human language in digital media, in particular computational approaches to forensic linguistics. Research topics of the group include disinformation, hate speech, and automatic approaches to digital authorship, among others. The position includes a small teaching requirement (approximately 1 class per semester), which will be carried out in the undergraduate and graduate programs in German linguistics.
This position is meant to lead to further qualification of the holder in the form of a Ph.D. degree. Work on the Ph.D. thesis is considered part of the tasks in this position and should center around a project in the newly established field of digital forensic linguistics.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 36 months
Start: by December 01, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Apply by: 2026-08-17
Your tasks:
- Investigating new computational linguistic methods of analyzing, detecting and combating harmful online language (disinformation, hate speech, or other digital forensic applications)
- Contributing to the development of the emerging research field Digital Forensic Linguistics
- Creation of annotated corpora and datasets
- Collaboration in an interdisciplinary team
- Preparing research results for publication in leading venues (conferences and journals)
- Teaching (1 class per semester) in the field of German linguistics (preferably in German)
- Supervising student research assistants (m/f/x)
Your profile:
- Very good Master's degree in computational linguistics or a related subject
- Knowledge of and ideally practical experience with natural language processing (NLP), including machine learning methods (statistical methods, deep learning, LLMs)
- Solid programming skills (e.g., Python)
- Excellent language skills (reading and writing) in English; German skills preferred
- Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following fields would be beneficial: forensic linguistics, corpus linguistics, analysis of social media data, psycholinguistic experiments, visual communication
- Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary research
We offer:
- An interdisciplinary team including colleagues from computational linguistics, linguistics, and computer science
- The opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. with strong support
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
- Professional development, mentoring, and training
- The opportunity to join one of the largest universities in Germany, embedded in the University Alliance Ruhr
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
Your application should include the following documents: (1) Cover letter, including your motivation for the position, (2) current CV, (3) transcript of records for the Bachelor's and Master's degree, (4) sample of your academic writing, e.g. (chapter from) Master's thesis, and (5) names and email addresses of two references. We would prefer that CVs do not include a personal photo. Your cover letter and CV should be written by you and clearly demonstrate the ways in which you match the requested profile. Please submit your application via the online form. Interviews are planned to take place in August 2026 via video conference (Zoom).
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Tatjana Scheffler Tel.: +49 234 32 21471
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-08-17. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5953.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA