With its research institutes abroad, the Max Weber Foundation (MWS), based in Bonn, is one of the leading sponsors of research in the humanities and social sciences. It has over 350 employees worldwide and supports numerous scholarship holders.
The Orient-Institut Beirut (OIB) of the MWS conducts research in the humanities and social sciences on the Middle East and North Africa from late antiquity to the present day. The OIB has a large specialised library with over 140,000 volumes and access to over 100,000 electronic resources. For more information on our promotion of academic excellence and our commitment to academic freedom, please see the OIB Mission Statement.
The OIB is seeking applications for three positions of
Research Associate (f/m/d) in the humanities and social sciences
to be filled full-time as of 1 January 2026, but no later than 1 April 2026. The place of work is Beirut.
Our research associates carry out their own research projects and at the same time take an active role in the diverse tasks of the institute. They should be able to attract additional funding and create an intellectual centre in their field of research. We are currently looking to expand our office in Cairo, revitalise research in/on Syria and Palestine and promote Arabic, Islamic and MENA studies in Germany. Applicants whose pojects fit these goals are particularly welcome.
Requirements
- PhD in a humanities or social science discipline with specialisation in Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies or MENA Studies.
- Excellent knowledge of Arabic, English and/or German and research experience with Arabic-language sources.
- Outstanding publications (German, Arabic or English) in scientific journals and a monograph.
- Familiarity with leading teams and organising collective research.
Tasks
- Pursuit of research for publication in scholarly journals and a second monograph
- Assume institutional responsibilities
- Organise and host workshops, seminars and international conferences
- Applying for third-party funding for individual and collaborative research
- Support for our two publication series (BTS & BI) depending on research expertise.
Professionalism in working for the Institute and an outstanding academic profile compatible with interdisciplinary research are expected. A good track record in attracting external funding is desirable.
The Max Weber Foundation is a family-friendly employer that attaches particular importance to the compatibility of work and family life. Initial information on the living and working conditions at the Beirut office can be found on our website. The professional equality regardless of gender and equal opportunities for people with severe disabilities are important to us. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications regardless of nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, Weltanschauung or age.
Remuneration is in accordance with pay group 13 TVöD plus foreign allowance and rent subsidy in accordance with federal regulations. The appointment is made for a period of 3 years within the framework of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG), an extension of a further 2 years is possible. A German employment contract with pay group 13 TVöD is planned. The prerequisite for such a contract is that you are a national of an EU or EEA country and are subject to German social security regulations. Otherwise, you will be employed on a local contract, insofar as this is possible under Lebanese law, and for a fixed term of two years. You will be paid accordingto the corresponding pay scale of the German Embassy Beirut for local employment contracts.
Applicants should send a cover letter, a project description (max. 3 pages), a CV with a list of publications, copies of certificates, the names of two reviewers and a project description (max. 3 pages) by 1 April 2025 by e-mail to: Bewerbungen(at)orient-institut.org
For further information, please contact Dr Zeina Halabi Halabi@orient-institut.org.