Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research-oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting-edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day-to-day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.

The Institute of Missiology and the Study of Theologies Beyond Europe(Director: Prof. Dr. Norbert Hintersteiner) at the University of Münster is seeking to fill the postdoc position of a

Research Associate / Lecturer Akademische Rätin/Akademischer Rat auf Zeit (salary scheme A 13 LBesO)

commencing on 1 July 2027. We are offering a full-time (100%) three-year fixed-term position.

Your tasks:

• With this position, the prospective candidate pursues post doctorate academic credentials by realizing an independent postdoc research project (2nd book) or a research project aiming at conferral of a habilitation (advanced post-doctoral) qualification. The candidate’s research project is located within one of the following interdisciplinary research fields:
• World Christianity and Intercultural Theology
• Interreligious Studies and Comparative Theology
• History of Indo-Persian Missions and Cultures
• Catholic Missions and International Humanitarian Organizations
• Support in editing and publication of projects of the institute
• Development and coordination of an international teaching project / Summer School on either „Missions and Intercultural Dogmatics“ or “Intercultural Mission and Church History” (East Asia or Indo-Persia) or “Global Crises and Humanitarian Development”
• The prospective candidate is required to teach four hours (4 SWS; 2 courses) per week per semester
• Academic counselling and supervision of students
• Participation in academic self-administration of the institute and its tasks

Our expectations:

• Higher education and doctoral degree in either Theology or Religious Studies or International Studies or an area of the Humanities, Social / Political Sciences as prime to the candidate’s research project
• Knowledge in classical and modern languages as relevant to the candidate’s research project
• Solid skills in the field of IT, Digital Humanities, and the use of artificial intelligence
• Team-oriented, organisational skills, ability to carry out tasks with high degree of independence
• Interest in working in interdisciplinary and international groups
• Experience in developing and conducting one’s own courses which correspond to the abovementioned research focuses and international teaching projects is desirable

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

In case of equal qualification applicants with disability will also receive preferred consideration for hire.

How to Apply:

For specific inquiries and further information prior to application candidates are welcome to address these to the director of the institute, Prof. Norbert Hintersteiner, electronically at .

Hard copy applications are invited and must be submitted by 15 November 2026 (postmark) for consideration. Complete applications include: Curriculum vitae; brief summary presentation of educational studies, academic profile and work experience as relevant (copies of relevant exams and supporting documents must be attached); list of publications; description of the specific research project proposal (8-10 pages); outline of an idea for an interdisciplinary international teaching project / summer school; and considerations for career prospects. Applications should be sent to:

Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Catholic Theology
University of Münster
Johannisstr. 8-10
48143 Münster
Germany

Alternatively, you may also send us your application electronically in one single PDF file to , with copying in / cc to the director of the Institute of Missiology and the Study of Theologies Beyond Europe, . Please note that we cannot process or consider other file formats than PDF.

Job interviews will presumably be scheduled for 11-12 January 2027.