Call for Applications: One three-year PhD student position in Arabic Philosophy and its Hebrew and Latin Reception
The Thomas-Institut at the University of Cologne is seeking applications for a three-year PhD position within the framework of the “Averroes Edition.” This research project, funded by the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences, Humanities and the Arts, focusses on the critical edition of works on natural philosophy by Averroes and Avempace, including their original Arabic texts and medieval Hebrew and Latin translations. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Andreas Speer and Prof. Dr. David Wirmer, and carried out by three editors and one digital humanist. The project is designed as a long-term editorial endeavor, and the successful candidate will contribute to the production of both print and digital editions.
The advertised position involves a combination of independent doctoral research and collaborative project work, with the appointment expected to commence on September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. While the call is open to projects across the field of Arabic Philosophy, we will give preference to research proposals specifically related to the philosophy of Averroes or its historical reception.
Practical responsibilities include supporting the edition of Averroes’ commentaries on Aristotle’s natural philosophy through the transcription, proofreading, and correction of manuscript materials and similar project-related tasks. The contract carries with it no teaching or administrative duties.
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline. A high level of proficiency in Arabic or Hebrew or Latin is required, as is a strong command of English, which serves as the project’s primary language of publication. Knowledge of Greek is considered an advantage but is not a prerequisite for application.
The position is a part-time appointment (65% TV-L E13), corresponding to a monthly salary of approximately 3000€, liable to deductions for tax, social security benefits and retirement provisions. For applicants unfamiliar with the German public service remuneration system: the salary is determined by the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the States (TV-L). Further information and a salary calculator for reference can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info
Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae, a list of publications where applicable, and a PhD project outline of one to three pages. These documents may be submitted in English, French, German, or Italian. Furthermore, two letters of recommendation must be sent directly by the academic referees to the project directors, Prof. Dr. Andreas Speer and Prof. Dr. David Wirmer. All application materials should be sent via email to info-averroes@uni-koeln.de by May 15, 2026. Candidates will receive notification of the outcome following the interview process for short-listed applicants.