Full Professor of Linguistics of African Languages in Context Faculty of Languages & Literatures Application deadline:15 July 2026

Full Professor of Linguistics of African Languages in Context

Faculty of Languages & Literatures

Position: Full Professor at salary grade W3

Start date: On or after 01.10.2027

Employment type: Permanent civil service position

Application deadline: 15 July 2026

Position Description

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Faculty of Languages & Literatures at the University of Bayreuth is currently seeking to appoint a Full Professor of Linguistics of African Languages in Context.

The successful candidate will cover the full spectrum of African linguistics in both research and teaching. A clearly defined specialization in the linguistics of African languages (African studies) is required, with links to sociolinguistics, anthropological linguistics and/or discourse analysis, including approaches from translation studies in the context of African languages. The professorship focuses on the cultural embedding of African languages in various social contexts, on language contact and multilingualism, and on communicative practices. A regional specialization outside East Africa is required.

Requirements

• A proven track record in empirical and field research, combining structural-linguistic analyses with sociolinguistic, ethnographic, interactional, translation studies or discourse analytical approaches
• Relevant experience in research and teaching in the field of African linguistics (African Studies)
• Native or near-native proficiency in at least one African language
• Internationally recognized publications
• Evidence of successful acquisition of external funding
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ability to deliver courses in English and, in the medium term, also in German
• University degree
• Doctoral degree
• Proven excellence in teaching
• Post-doctoral qualification to teach at a professorial level (Habilitation) or equivalent scholarly achievement, for example as a junior professor or in a non-university environment
• Age 51 years or younger (exceptions only if there are urgent reasons)

Responsibilities

Teaching duties will be carried out primarily in the BA and MA programmes African Studies: Language, Arts, Philosophy as well as in the BA and MA programmes of the Faculty of Languages and Literature.

The professorship works closely with the Institute of African Studies, the multi- and interdisciplinary cluster "Africa Multiple. Reconfiguring African Studies" and the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS), and also cooperates with related disciplines within the Faculty. Active participation in the University of Bayreuth's key research areas, particularly within the 'African Studies' Research Network, is expected.

Application Instructions

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications
• List of courses taught
• Experience obtaining external funding
• Copies of certificates and diplomas

Applications are to be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Languages & Literatures, Prof. Dr. Gesine Schiewer and submitted via https://uni-bayreuth.berufungsportal.de by 15.07.2026.

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

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

Additional Information

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 any persons who can help make the research and teaching profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best practice club Family at University, and it offers "dual career support" for career-oriented partners of highly qualified employees. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.