Ruhr University Bochum, June 30, 2026 – June 30, 2030. Application deadline: June 8, 2026 Research Associate, Collaborative Research Centre 1567 "Virtual Lifeworlds", Ruhr Uni

Faculty of History:SFB 1567 »Virtual Lifeworlds«TP C03 »Virtual Art: Designs for Coexistence in Mixed Realities«

We are looking to fill a full-time (39.83 hrs/week = 100%) position as soon as possible for a temporary research assistant (m/f/d) (100%) in sub-project C03 »Virtual Art: Designs for Living Together in Mixed Realities«.

The Collaborative Research Center 1567 "Virtual Lifeworlds" is an interdisciplinary research network comprising 20 sub-projects and more than 60 researchers from the fields of education, history, human-computer interaction, art history, literary studies, medieval studies, media studies, and social sciences. Its central focus is the investigation of virtuality as a driving force behind social and cultural transformation processes, which have long since become part of everyday life and have normalized themselves in diverse contexts. Collaborative Research Center 1567 is based at Ruhr University Bochum and supported by researchers from the University of Bochum.Further information is available at: https://www.virtuelle-lebenswelten.de/ . The position is subject to funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Subproject C03, "Virtual Art" (led by Prof. Dr. Annette Urban), examines the renewed artistic interest in virtual technologies within the tension between the often-favored staging of spectacular otherworldliness in VR and the societal normalization of virtual lifeworlds. The focus is on contemporary mixed realities (MR) art, which enable social interaction as a multi-user experience and can be interpreted as models for alternative forms of coexistence.

Subproject C03.2 investigates how the coupling of spatial and body-sensitive technologies in artistic projects generates a specific understanding of community-building human mobility (HRM). Within the framework of the postdoctoral position, a dedicated research focus will be developed: With a view to, for example, collaborations with diverse communities, the incorporation of historical techniques, or alternative prototyping, the research aims to clarify how HRM contributes to plural worldings and integrates marginalized groups into virtualization processes. We are seeking an individual who examines contemporary digital art through the lens of philosophy of technology, worlding theory, or design theory.

Your tasks:- Conceptual development and implementation of an art historical post-doctoral project (C03.2) and work on essays, peer-reviewed papers, and other publications related to the topic of UP- Contribution to the project's internal database of works, web-based Living Catalogue, and Virtual Artist Labs, as well as curation in the Xtended Room- Co-organization and content development of a workshop and participation in other event formats of the sub-project and the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) (including the annual conference and methods workshop), particularly within the framework of the Early Career Forum- Independent research and joint publications (workshop and interview volumes, special issue, etc.) as well as collaborations with international scholars.Expansion and maintenance of the international research network- Participation in the professional development opportunities offered by the CRC, particularly with regard to equality and diversity- Participation in the Early Career Forum

Your profile:- Completed university degree (Master's or equivalent, ideally a completed doctorate) in art history or a related humanities or cultural studies field- Excellent knowledge of contemporary art and an interest in XR technologies, ideally demonstrated by a dissertation- Interest in one or more of the following theoretical fields: socio-technical structures, collectivities, design capacity, technology/design theory, worldbuilding- Prior technical knowledge of VR and XR applications is desirable, but can be acquired or deepened at the beginning of the project within the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) context- Excellent written and spoken English skills; willingness to travel to archives and exhibitions and to network internationally- Ability to work independently as well as in a team, flexibility, and a high level of commitment

We offer:- Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of autonomy- Support in balancing family and career (including childcare placement/holiday programs/mobile children's room)- Extensive training and professional development opportunities- Team-oriented collaboration in a highly skilled, dedicated, international, and appreciative team- Diverse support services and opportunities for individual development, such as in the Early Career Forum, the Collaborative Research Center's independent organizational unit for researchers in early career stages

Further information:- Employment is on a salaried basis and is governed by the Collective Agreement for Public Service Employees of the German Federal States (TV-L). - Classification is in pay group E13 TV-L, provided the personal and collective agreement requirements are met.- Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/. - The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. - If the funding for the position is provided exclusively by external third-party funding bodies, employees are not obligated to assume teaching duties.

Application:Please include a brief outline (1-2 pages) of your research project proposal for C03.2 with your application.Apply by June 8, 2026, via the online application portal, quoting reference number ANR 5722:https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/jobposting/93f19a96fb948c779ce02ed94ca96f585bcfbc261/apply?ref=homepage

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Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) sees itself as a university with an international reach. The campus languages ​​are German and English. Proficiency in at least one of these languages ​​and a willingness to learn the other are required. RUB provides corresponding free language courses for its employees.

The staff council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of an applicant, it will guarantee its participation in the entire process. Please contact wpr @rub.de.

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is one of Germany's leading research universities. As a reform-oriented campus university, it uniquely unites the entire spectrum of major academic disciplines in one location. The dynamic interaction between subjects and academic cultures offers researchers and students alike exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

RUB stands for diversity and equal opportunities. Therefore, we promote collaboration in diverse teams and the career development of individuals who are underrepresented in their respective fields. RUB explicitly encourages applications from women. In areas where they are underrepresented, they will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified. Applications from people with disabilities are also very welcome.

Contact persons for further information:Prof. Dr. Annette Urban, Tel.: +49 234 32 28704; Dr. Ina Bolinski (scientific coordinator), Tel.: +49 234 32 20600

Unfortunately, travel expenses, accommodation costs, loss of earnings, and other application costs for job interviews cannot be reimbursed.