Professor of Social Science Research on Antisemitism

The University of Tübingen’s Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences – Department of Social Sciences – is seeking a

Full Professor (W3) of Social Science Research on Antisemitism, to start on 1 October 2025.

The holder of this position should represent the field of social science research on Antisemitism in research and teaching. The aim of the professorship is the systematic study of contemporary Antisemitism and its social embedding. As part of the trans- and interdisciplinary research at the Institute for Research on Far Right Extremism (IRex), the professorship complements a) the research on far right actors, organizations and networks, far right discourses and dissemination strategies of far right extremist world views in (social) media, and b) the IRex's focus on application-oriented political education, transfer and implementation research.

The focus in social science and intersectional research based on a pluralistic understanding of Antisemitism lies in theoretical foundation and empirical work. Knowledge and experience in qualitative empirical social research, research into the far right and a specialization in at least two of the following areas are expected:

• Research on the social and cultural emergence and spread of Antisemitism;
• Analysis of the complexity of current everyday cultural, media and other forms of appearance and expression of Antisemitism, taking into account their significance for ideologies of social inequality;
• Research on antisemitic (conspiracy) narratives, in particular their dissemination, use, change and impact in public discourses;
• Analysis of political and social reactions to Antisemitism, in particular from the perspective of those affected directly;
• Research on promoting democratic resilience against Antisemitism

The position holder must be willing to engage in the acquisition of third-party funding and close collaborations within and outside the Institute for Research on Far Right Extremism, take part in monitoring activities, and participate in interdisciplinary research networks at the University. Moreover, the post holder is expected to contribute to the development and deliverance of the study (certificate) programs of the institute and to teach in the Bachelor's and Master's programs of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences as well as other related programs, e.g. Jewish Studies.

The professorship is part of the Institute for Research on Far Right Extremism (IRex). The IRex at the University of Tübingen is part of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences and has four W3 professorships. The institute's goal is to research the multifaceted, complex, and multi-causal phenomenon of far right extremism in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Europe and beyond in an interdisciplinary, methodologically pluralistic manner and with special attention to everyday and lifeworld perspectives, to provide practice-relevant research results for society and politics, and in this way to promote the resilience and defensibility of democratic structures and institutions. The institute is organized into four thematic clusters: a) far right extremist knowledge constructions and ideologies, b) far right extremist actors, organizations and networks, c) far right extremist discourses, media and public strategies, and d) political education, transfer and implementation research. The research perspectives and results are brought together in methodologically plural far right extremism monitoring and made available to the public on the research platform far right. Considering the institute’s goals and profiles of the advertised professorships, the position holders must have a high degree of willingness and experience in collaborating in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research context as well as in acquiring third-party funding for project-based research. Furthermore, cooperation is expected in the context of the monitoring on far right extremism, the cooperation with partners from professional practice and in the development of further study programs.

Requirements include a relevant, outstanding doctorate, habilitation or equivalent academic qualifications as demonstrated through an assistant professorship or other proof of equivalent scientific achievements in the field of social science or a relevant related discipline for research on Antisemitism with a specific theoretical and empirical social science perspective. The holder of the post is expected to demonstrate teaching aptitude and relevant teaching experience. Management experience and connections outside of the university system are considered an advantage.

The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities. Female academics, in particular, are explicitly invited to apply, as are applicants from outside Germany.

Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference.

General information on professorships, hiring processes, and the German academic system may be found here: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/213700

Applications must be submitted by 27 November 2024 via the University of Tübingen application portal by clicking the 'Apply' button

Questions of a formal nature may be directed to Ms. Claudia Christ (dekanat@wiso.uni-tuebingen.de) and questions of a substantive nature to the Dean Prof. Dr. Taiga Brahm (dekan@wiso.uni-tuebingen.de).