Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Akademischer Rat auf Zeit) in Chinese History (m/f/x)

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is a leading research university in Europe. Since its founding in 1472 it has been committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching.

Institution | Faculty for the Study of Culture - Institute of Sinology

Remuneration group | BesGr A13

Full-time / Part-time | Full-time (100%)

Start date | 2027-10-01

About us:

The Institute of Sinology at the Department of Asian Studies (Faculty for the Study of Culture), LMU Munich, is a major hub of learning and research in the fields of Sinology. With three professorships and over 20 research and teaching faculty, the Institute boasts a broad expertise in the history, languages, literatures, religions and philosophies of China and Eurasia.

We are looking for you:

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Akademischer Rat auf Zeit) in Chinese History (m/f/x)

in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

The Institute of Sinology at LMU is currently inviting applications for a fixed-term post-doctoral Research Associate (German civil service rank: Akademischer Rat auf Zeit, BesGr. A13). Scholars should have expertise in the history of Late Imperial China (approximately 1400-1900). We welcome candidates whose scholarship overlaps with the Institute's current expertise in the non-Sinitic societies of Central Asia and the religious, philosophical, legal and institutional history of early modern China. However, we are also open to new topics, fields, and methodological approaches. Outstanding candidates with a focus on modern China (either the history of the Republic of China or the People’s Republic of China) will also be considered.

This position is designed for postdoctoral researchers looking to build an independent academic profile and develop the qualifications necessary for a full professorship within the German academic system. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to complete or make significant progress on a habilitation, equivalent academic monograph, or a series of peer-reviewed journal articles.

The position is under the supervision of Max Oidtmann, the Chair in Chinese and Central Asian History. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing their own research agenda and teaching undergraduate and MA courses in their fields of expertise. The position carries a teaching obligation of 5 "teaching hours" per semester (a teaching hour = 45 minutes). The postdoctoral researcher may also be assigned administrative tasks at the direction of the Chair.

Your qualifications:

• The applicant must have a Ph.D. (or Dr. phil) in Chinese History or Sinology at the time of appointment.
• Fluency in English and a high level of proficiency in Modern Standard Chinese and Literary Sinitic is essential. Knowledge of German is desirable.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching or demonstrated potential.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and in teams.

Benefits:

• A temporary home in one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious research universities with many opportunities for career development and networking.
• Provided that the requirements for appointment to the civil service are met, employment will be in the form of a fixed-term civil servant appointment (pay grade A13). The initial term of appointment is three years, with the possibility of an extension of up to three additional years. The position is not tenurable and cannot be converted into a permanent appointment.
• Private healthcare eligibility: As a temporary civil servant, you are eligible for the highly advantageous state-subsidized private health insurance system (Beihilfe).
• An attractively equipped workplace in central Munich with excellent access to public transportation.

Also possible in a part-time capacity.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

Please submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including education, academic and professional employment, list of publications and three references)
• Description of the research project (max. ten pages)
• Description of teaching experience (max. five pages)
• Copies of all academic degree certificates.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please submit the materials listed above as a single PDF file through our application portal by 13 December, 2026.

Interviews will be held in early February 2027. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to arrange the submission of three confidential letters of reference.

Where knowledge is everything.

LMU researchers work at the highest level on the great questions affecting people, society, culture, the environment and technology — supported by experts in administration, IT and tech. Become part of LMU Munich!