Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence Understanding Written Artefacts” (Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures) § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Cluster of Excellence „Understanding Written Artefacts“

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.01.2027, fixed until 31.12.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-08-30

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

The Cluster of Excellence ‘Understanding Written Artefacts’ (UWA) is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to pursue an independent research project with a focus on written artefacts in precolonial Mesoamerica. UWA offers an exciting opportunity to research handwritten artefacts across materials, periods and regions within a collaborative team of doctoral, postdoctoral and senior/professorial researchers. You will be part of an international team of researchers from across over forty disciplines in the Humanities, the Natural Sciences and Computer Science. The Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures is by now the largest research centre of its kind worldwide and offers a uniquely dynamic research environment.

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

You will pursue an independent research project that fits the overall comparative research profile of UWA. You will contribute to the cluster’s research programme through your active engagement in its collaborative research activities. Activities include participation in research meetings, academic publications, organising scholarly events, and maintaining and developing cooperations and relevant networks.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

You hold an excellent University degree in your field, such as in Mesoamerican Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Art History, Archaeometry, Ethnology, or a related discipline, demonstrating your expertise in the study of precolonial Mesoamerica. You have either obtained your doctorate or submitted your PhD thesis by the time of the application deadline. Fluency in both English and Spanish, written and spoken, is required.

You have a strong research profile in the study of pre-Hispanic written artefacts and their materiality, including manuscripts, inscriptions, and other media bearing Indigenous writing systems. An interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across the Humanities and at the interfaces between the Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science is essential.

Additional desirable qualifications and experience include:

• advanced proficiency in at least one precolonial Mesoamerican language and/or script
• demonstrated research experience in Mesoamerica, including fieldwork, archival research, or sustained engagement with relevant collections and communities
• a publication record commensurate with career stage
• experience with interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects
• ability to work effectively as part of a team

You must apply with a project proposal (in English) of max. 2,500 words (plus bibliography), including a brief summary, state of the art/literature review, a detailed project description, a 3-year schedule and a budget plan for additional research expenditure such as field trips and conference participation. The proposed project must fit the overall research profile of UWA and applicants are encouraged to address one or two of UWA’s core objectives in their project proposal.

For further information, see the as well as the UWA website on .

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

The successful candidate can benefit from a range of tailored support measures at the cluster, which include,

• additional funding for a range of research activities, including fieldwork
• postdoctoral mentoring programmes
• workshops to support your career planning
• intensive training courses for writing grant applications
• promoting

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.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Kaja Harter-Uibopuu

Dr. Eva Jungbluth

Location

Warburgstraße 26
20354 Hamburg

Reference number

197

Application deadline

2026-08-30

Use only the online application form to submit your complete application documents until 30.08.2026, 11:59 PM CEST:

• cover letter
• CV
• one publication or a chapter from your dissertation thesis
• project proposal
• copies of degree certificate(s)

Interviews are scheduled for the early October.

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.