Research Assistant, "The M/Other Project" (Latin America/Caribbean/Black Atlantic/Africa/Indigenous).

As part of the Volkswagen Foundation-funded research initiative The M/Other Project: Creativity, Procreation, and Contemporary Art, led by Prof. Dr. Jordan Troeller, Leuphana University in Lüneburg, Germany, is seeking a responsible, motivated, and dedicated individual to join the team as soon as possible as Research Assistant (pay grade 13 TV-L, 65%, fixed-term for a period of 3 years).

Although the iconography of motherhood in the visual arts has been extensively researched, other aspects of motherhood in the arts have received less attention, including how motherhood has impacted categories of authorship, definitions of artistic creation, and the assessment of aesthetic value. The M/Other Project invites bold doctoral projects that challenge conventional knowledge and point to new paths in art history. Dissertation projects are not limited in temporal scope, but must focus on Latin America, the Caribbean, the Black Atlantic, Africa, or Indigenous art. Furthermore, the project must be clearly defined and feasible within three years. Applicants with an MFA, who can demonstrate their ability to conduct scholarly research, are also welcome to apply.

It is not necessary that your place of residence is Lüneburg, but you must be prepared to be at the university 4-6 times a semester for 1-2 days for each visit, in addition to project workshops or symposium (no more than once a semester).

For more information about The M/Other Project, please visit the following link:
https://www.leuphana.de/en/institutes/ikmv/staff/jordan-troeller/research-project-m-other.html

Your responsibilities:
- Pursuing your own academic development with the goal of earning a PhD.
- Assisting with the organization of workshops and events
- Performing organizational tasks related to research management (research, assisting with publication projects, etc.)
- Regular, active participation in the activities of the research project and in PhD colloquia

Your Profile:
- A completed graduate degree (MA, MFA, or equivalent) in studio practice, art history, film studies, cultural studies, or a related field, by the start of the position
- A risk-taking, ambitious, and curious personality, who is willing to accept constructive criticism and feedback, and who approaches academic debate with openness and enthusiasm.
-an independent yet team-oriented work style with strong time management skills
- initial experience with independent publications is preferable
- fluency in English as well as any additional language skills as required for your research project

What we offer:
- an inspiring work environment as part of the university community of researchers, faculty, students, and technical and administrative staff,
- a job at one of Germany’s most beautiful university campuses, a true campus university featuring an internationally acclaimed central building designed by Daniel Libeskind and the adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve,
- high job security as part of the public service,
- an additional occupational pension plan through the Federal and State Pension Fund (VBL),
- flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flex-time framework from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
- flexible and family-friendly options to alternate between on-site work and remote work,
- a comprehensive range of internal and external continuing education opportunities,
- a diverse range of sports activities sponsored by the university, which employees can participate in for one hour per week during working hours to promote health,
- a university-sponsored lunch option in the cafeteria
- a university-sponsored Deutschlandticket as a job ticket.

Please submit the following through our application portal (https://jobs.leuphana.de/auth/anmelden) by April 21, 2026:

- Letter of motivation
- A CV (please do not include a photo) including a list of publications and, if applicable, a list of teaching experience, along with the names, institutional affiliations, and contact information of 3 professional references
- A writing sample, e.g., a chapter from your master’s thesis or similar (max. 20 pages)
- Research proposal (max. 5 pages) with a bibliography (1 page)
In your research proposal, please define 1) your research topic, including the circumstances that necessitate further research; 2) your research question; 3) the methodology you intend to use; 4) a research plan (which archives, artworks, interviews, literature, etc., you will examine); and 5) a timeline for carrying out the project (please allow for 3 years).
- Personal Statement (max. 2 pages)
This should explain your experience to date—particularly general life experience—that led you to decide to pursue a PhD. What distinguishes you as a candidate? How did you arrive at your topic? Please also indicate your future plans after completing your PhD. (Please note that the personal statement should not repeat information from your cover letter.)

For questions regarding the job description, please contact Prof. Dr. Jordan Troeller (jordan.troellerleuphana.de)

Leuphana University promotes gender equality in the workplace and diversity among its members. Applications from individuals with severe disabilities will be given preference if qualifications are equal.

We look forward to receiving your application!