Freie Universität Berlin is inviting applications for an African Art Research Job through a Scientific Employee (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter) position in the Department of African Art, Institute of Art History. This full-time academic appointment is available for the duration of maternity leave, with the possibility of extension during subsequent parental leave. The role combines university teaching, independent research, student supervision, and academic administration within the field of African art and visual cultures.
The successful candidate will contribute to teaching and research focused on the arts and visual cultures of Africa and its diaspora, primarily covering the period from the fifteenth century to the present while occasionally engaging with earlier historical periods. This position offers the opportunity to develop independent research while supporting undergraduate and postgraduate learning within an established academic department specialising in art history, visual culture research, and African studies.
Alongside delivering university courses, the appointed researcher will supervise students and contribute to the academic organisation of the Institute of Art History. Administrative responsibilities form part of the position, ensuring the smooth delivery of teaching and research activities across the Department of African Art. The appointment is suitable for researchers with expertise in African art, visual cultures of Africa, art history research, museum studies, and related humanities disciplines.
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation alongside research experience relevant to African art and visual culture. The university particularly welcomes candidates whose expertise includes historical and contemporary African art, supported by knowledge of current theoretical approaches and previous research undertaken in Africa. Strong communication skills in both German and English are essential for teaching, research, and academic collaboration.
Position Details
- Position: Scientific Employee (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter)
- Institution: Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
- Department: Institute of Art History – Department of African Art
- Research Discipline: African Art, Art History, Visual Culture Research
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Job Type: Researcher
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term for maternity leave with possible extension during parental leave
- Start Date: Not specified
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: TV-L Salary Group 13
- Required Qualification: Master’s, Magister, or equivalent university degree
Research Area
The position focuses on the study of the arts and visual cultures of Africa and its diaspora, combining historical and contemporary perspectives with current approaches in art history and visual culture research.
Research areas include:
- Arts and visual cultures of Africa and its diaspora
- African art from historical and contemporary periods
- Southern African art
- Art history
- Visual culture research
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- Completed Master’s, Magister, or equivalent university degree in Art History, Ethnology, or a related discipline with a regional focus on Africa.
- Relevant knowledge of ancient and contemporary African art.
- Preference for expertise relating to Southern Africa.
- Knowledge of recent theories in art history and visual culture research.
- Independent research experience conducted in Africa.
- Good command of German and English at a minimum of B2 level.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be expected to:
- Deliver university courses in Art and Visual Cultures of Africa.
- Conduct independent research on African art and its diaspora.
- Supervise and advise students.
- Contribute to departmental administration.
- Support study and research organisation within the Institute.
- Participate actively in academic teaching and research activities.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format, preferably as a single combined document, and must quote the position identifier. The university also accepts postal applications.
Required application documents include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Supporting academic documents relevant to the application
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 6 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Applications should be submitted before the closing date, as late submissions may not be considered.
Related Academic Keywords
- Cultural Heritage Research Jobs
- Art History Academic Jobs
- Humanities Research Positions
- Academic Jobs in Germany
- International Academic Jobs
Institutional Overview
Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 and is recognised as one of Germany’s leading research universities. The university promotes teaching and research across a wide range of academic disciplines while supporting international collaboration and independent scholarship. Within the Institute of Art History, the Department of African Art focuses on the arts and visual cultures of Africa and its diaspora, encouraging historical and contemporary perspectives through research and university teaching. The institution continues to develop an academic environment founded on the principles of truth, justice, and freedom while supporting equal opportunities for researchers, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.
Explore more academic jobs in art history, cultural studies, humanities research, archaeology, heritage studies, museum studies, visual culture, and university careers by visiting HigherJobz for the latest international research and higher education opportunities worldwide.
