The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Bayreuth is currently seeking to appoint a

at salary grade W3 to commence on 1 October 2027. This is a permanent civil service position.

The professorship of Social and Cultural Anthropology is a central pillar of the Social and Cultural Anthropology Department at the University of Bayreuth. We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of outstanding and internationally recognized research, third-party funding and publications in political anthropology. We are interested in candidates whose research profiles focus on issues in political anthropology including but not limited to categories of social difference and inequality, conflicts and social movements, as well as the theoretical examination of the intersections between politics and other areas. Requirements for a successful application also include years of empirical field research experience on the African continent and/or its global diasporas, as well as theory-building grounded in empirical evidence. A further regional focus is also desirable.

The successful candidate will represent the full breadth of the discipline. The research priorities will thematically expand existing perspectives within Bayreuth’s social and cultural anthropology program. We seek candidates whose research in political anthropology engages pressing and current sociopolitical debates with the potential for public engagement. In addition to a focus on political anthropology, further expertise that expands Bayreuth’s research and teaching program is desirable, e.g., religion, health, historical anthropology, public anthropology, kinship, or gender studies. Experience in the field of multimodal methods is expressly desired. Teaching will take place within the bachelor’s- programs Social and Cultural Anthropology, Interdisciplinary African Studies, Culture and Society, as well as in the master’s- programs Social and Cultural Anthropology, African Studies: Critical Perspectives on Society, Politics and Culture, the BIGSAS Graduate School, and new interdisciplinary programs (e.g., MA Intersectionality Studies). The ability to teach courses in English and, in the medium term, in German is expected.

The University of Bayreuth’s Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology fosters an international, open approach to the discipline. We value collaborative research and a collaborative organizational structure. We offer robust opportunities for networking and collaboration, particularly in Africa-related research, as well as ideal conditions for supporting undergraduate and graduate students. We expect teamwork, resilience, and collegiality, as well as a willingness to take on responsibilities in academic self-governance. Beyond social and cultural anthropology, the professorship’s participation in the University of Bayreuth’s collaborative research priorities, programs, and research networks is expressly encouraged. Of particular interest are research questions and perspectives that align theoretically, methodologically, and/or regionally with Bayreuth’s African Studies focus (especially for the Cluster of Excellence “Africa Multiple”), as well as ideas for contributing to the strategic development of African Studies at the University of Bayreuth.

In addition to the general legal requirements, prerequisites for this position are a university degree, a doctoral degree in social and cultural anthropology, proven excellence in teaching, and a post-doctoral qualification to teach at a professorial level (Habilitation). Alternatively, evidence of equivalent scholarly achievement, for example as a junior professor or in a non-university environment, will also be considered. Only applicants who are 51 years of age or younger can be hired as civil servants. Exceptions will only be made if there are urgent reasons for doing so (Art. 60 para 3 BayHIG).

The University of Bayreuth views the diversity of its staff as an asset and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Female scholars and persons who contribute to greater diversity in the University of Bayreuth’s research and teaching profile are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth recognized as a family-friendly university and offers dual career support. In addition, an extended audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) returned a favorable review for the University of Bayreuth’s commitment to internationalization. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration.

Applications (cover letter, CV including a list of publications, external funding, a research concept (max. 5 pages), teaching portfolio (max. 3 pages), recent teaching evaluations, copies of certificates and a diversity statement (max. 1 page)) are to be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Paula Schrode and submitted via https://uni-bayreuth.berufungsportal.de by 04.10.2026. 

Applicants are welcome to direct questions and requests for further information to the Dean at dekanat.kuwi@uni-bayreuth.de. 

Application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection law following the conclusion of the appointment process.