Research Associate in the M/Other Project at Leuphana Universität Lüneburg 2026

Within the framework of The M/Other Project: Creativity, Procreation, and Contemporary Art, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation and led by Prof. Dr. Jordan Troeller, Junior Professor of Art History and Aesthetic Practice, the university is seeking a responsible, motivated, and committed Research Associate.

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 it has influenced categories of authorship, definitions of artistic creation, and the evaluation of aesthetic value. The M/Other Project invites ambitious doctoral projects that challenge conventional knowledge and explore new avenues in art studies and art history. Dissertation projects need not be tied to a specific stylistic period but must have a focus on Latin America, the Caribbean, the Black Atlantic, Africa, or Indigenous art. Furthermore, the project must be clearly defined and completed within three years. Applicants from the arts with a proven ability to conduct scholarly research are also welcome to apply.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 21, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorLeuphana University of Lüneburg
• City to studyLower Saxony
• School to studyLeuphana University of Lüneburg
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• an inspiring working environment as part of the university community of researchers, teachers, students and staff in technology and administration,
• a workplace at one of the most beautiful university locations in Germany, in a true campus university with an internationally acclaimed central building by Daniel Libeskind and the directly adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve,
• a high level of job security as part of the public service,
• an additional company pension scheme via the Federal and State Employees' Pension Fund (VBL),
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flexitime framework from 6 am to 9 pm,
• Flexible and family-friendly options for switching between on-site and remote work,
• a comprehensive range of internal and external training opportunities,
• a diverse sports program supported by the university, which can be used for one hour per week during working hours to promote the health of employees,
• a university-sponsored lunchtime catering service in the cafeteria,
• A Germany ticket, sponsored by the university, as a job ticket.

Requirements

• A completed academic university degree (Master's, MFA or equivalent) in art, art history, cultural studies, or a related field, to be valid by the start of the position.
• A risk-taking, ambitious, and curious personality who is willing to accept constructive criticism and feedback, as well as openness and enjoyment in participating in scientific debates.
• Independent yet team-oriented work style with good time management
• Prior experience with independent publications is desirable.
• Proficiency in English and, if applicable, other language skills required for your research project.

Application Documents

• Letter of motivation
• a tabular curriculum vitae (CV; please without photo) including list of publications and, if applicable, teaching experience, with the names, institutional affiliation and contact information of 3 professional references
• a writing sample, e.g. chapter from the master's thesis or similar (max. 20 pages)
• Research proposal (max. 5 pages) with bibliography (1 page)
• In your research proposal, please define:
  * your topic area, including the circumstances that necessitate further research;
  * your research question;
  * the method you intend to use;
  * a research plan (which archives, artworks, interviews, literature, etc. will you examine); and
  * a timeline for carrying out the project (please allow 3 years).
• Your personal statement (max. 2 pages) should explain your experiences – especially general life experiences – that led you to pursue a doctorate.
  * What makes you a strong candidate?
  * How did you come to choose your research topic?
  * Please also include your future plans after completing your doctorate. (The personal statement should not repeat information from your cover letter.)

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please submit the Application documents via the application portal.

For more information, kindly visit the Leuphana Universität Lüneburg webpage.