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.

job advertisement (PDF)

1) Musicological research on the Ottoman Empire and Turkey

2) Narrative sources on Istanbul and the late Ottoman Empire

3) Historic and contemporary forms of religious expression in Anatolia since the 11^th century

4) Manuscript cultures in the Ottoman Empire and Iran, in cooperation with the Collaborative Research Center 950 of the University of Hamburg

5) Human, medicine, and society, in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (ITAS)

The award consists of a monthly stipend of € 1,100 for the duration of usually six months. Travel expenses to and from Turkey will be reimbursed.

Prospective applicants are expected to hold an M.A. degree in a related academic discipline. A complete application must specify the necessity of conducting research in Istanbul or elsewhere in Turkey and include a detailed time frame for the envisioned research.

A good command of Turkish or other source languages necessary for the proposed project is expected. As the Orient-Institut Istanbul aims at creating an open and supportive academic environment, stipend holders are expected to attend colloquia and conferences organized by the Institute and to give a public presentation of their research. Research stays outside of Istanbul must be coordinated with the director.

Applications must be submitted by January 8, 2018 in electronic format (PDF) to the following address:

Prof. Dr. Raoul Motika
Director of the Orient-Institut Istanbul
Susam Sokak 16-18, D. 8
34433 Cihangir – Istanbul
Turkey
oiist(at)oidmg.org 

Complete applications must include the following:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Outline of the Ph.D./ research project
• Explanatory statement and research schedule for the stay in Istanbul/Turkey
• Letter of recommendation written by an academic supervisor
• Copy of M.A. diploma
• Documentation of proficiency in Turkish or another relevant source language