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Faculty of Philology :
Chair for Digital Forensic Linguistics
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) by July 01, 2026, we are looking for one
Researcher (75%, m/f/x) - Computational Linguistics
The research cluster CRC 1475 "Metaphors of Religion" combines computational and corpus-based linguistic methods with philology and religious studies to study the role of metaphors in religious communication. Further details can be found at https://sfb1475.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/
Subject to a pending funding commitment from the German Research Foundation (DFG) expected in mid-May 2026, the CRC 1475 is seeking to fill a position as a researcher in subproject C04 "Metaphor and social positioning in religious online forums. Local, non-local, and cross-modal metaphor interpretation". The subproject combines religious studies and computational linguistics under the direction of Prof. Dr. Tatjana Scheffler and Prof. Dr. Frederik Elwert. One focus of our subproject is developing computational methods for the analysis of metaphors in contemporary, colloquial communication of religious lay people in online forums. On the computational side, we will work on interpreting religious metaphors automatically, including aspects such as intertextuality as well as different modalities.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 42 months
Start: by July 01, 2026
Apply by: 2026-03-30
Your tasks:
- Development of computational linguistic methods for the recognition and interpretation of (multimodal) metaphors
- Exploring the use of deep learning and LLMs for metaphor analysis
- Creation of annotated corpora and datasets
- Collaboration in an interdisciplinary team
- Preparing research results for publication in leading venues (conferences and journals)
Your profile:
- Excellent Master's degree in computational linguistics or a related subject
- Knowledge of and/or 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 in English; German skills preferred
- Strong interest in figurative language
- Experience in the field of corpus linguistics and/or analysis of social media data
- Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary research
We offer:
- An interdisciplinary resesearch environment including colleagues from computational linguistics, digital humanities, and religious studies
- The opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. in a structured graduate program with strong support
- Flexible working conditions
- 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.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
Your detailed application should include the following documents: (1) Cover letter, including your motivation for the position, (2) Curriculum vitae, including publications, if applicable, (3) Transcript of records, (4) Sample of your academic writing, e.g. Master's thesis, (5) Names and email addresses of two references. Please submit your application via the online form. Interviews will take place in April 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/sbgk/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 +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 2026-03-30. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5421.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA