Academic jobs in Germany

Bewerben mit Benutzer*innenkonto

Kennziffer 1982

The Institute for International Legal Relations (IRB), Faculty of Law, FernUniversität in Hagen, is seeking to appoint, at the earliest possible date,

Teaching Associates & Project Coordinator Existential Risk to Humanity (predoc/postdoc)

50%-100% FTE (full-time or part-time)

up to three positions

Fixed-term: 2 years (at the latest until 31 March 2028)

Remuneration according to pay group E13 or E14 TV-L

As the only state distance‑learning university in the German‑speaking world and as Germany's largest public university, we have more than 50 years of experience in lifelong learning. We offer our students flexible study options based on a blended learning study model. Our five faculties drive innovation through subject‑specific and interdisciplinary research, cultivating forward‑thinking solutions.

• Participation in the implementation of an innovative, scalable, English‑language distance‑learning course on existential risk to humanity. The course addresses the understanding and management of extinction‑level risks to the human species, including technological threats as well as natural hazards of a physical, biological, or chemical nature. These risks are examined on a systemic and planetary level, both in the short and long term. The approach is explicitly interdisciplinary and extends beyond law and governance, technology policy, or philosophy, encompassing a broad range of natural and social sciences. Further details can be found in the project outline: https://www.fernuni-hagen.de/eastasianlaw/existential-risks-to-humanity.shtml
• In a predominantly teaching‑focused predoc/postdoc position (50% - E13), you will be responsible for the implementation and evaluation of didactic models, as well as for the compilation and development of selected, highly interdisciplinary course content across various domains of global risk and their mitigation. You will also support students in applying participatory foresight methods and in writing academic papers.
• In the predoc/postdoc position as Project Coordinator (100% - E14), you will primarily be responsible for coordinating the academic project, including internal and external communication. You will also work closely with teaching staff and the chair.

• A mandatory requirement for all advertised positions is the completion of a university degree at Master's level, ideally already holding a doctorate.
• For the predominantly coordination‑focused position, you are demonstrably pursuing an academic career in a field closely related to the risk disciplines and domains described in the project outline. Additional desirable qualifications include expertise in innovative areas of higher education, particularly distance learning, and/or relevant experience in managing academic projects. You are open to and capable of co‑authoring groundbreaking interdisciplinary publications within the team and its network.
• For the predominantly teaching‑focused position(s), qualifications in higher education didactics or in a discipline related to the project are desirable but not essential. Ideally, you have experience in academic administration, particularly in project management.
• Preference will be given to candidates who meet either one or a combination of the above profiles, who are able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team, and who also have experience with, knowledge of, and/or relevant publications on the management of existential or global catastrophic risks.

• One full‑time position for project coordination remunerated at pay group E14 TV‑L, and one 50% teaching‑focused position remunerated at pay group E13 TV‑L. If both positions are filled on a part‑time basis of 50% each, the full‑time position may also be shared by two individuals.
• Positions are available from 1 April 2026 at the earliest and are fixed‑term until no later than 31 March 2028. Appointment is subject to final confirmation of funding.
• A wide range of public sector benefits, including healthcare, an attractive pension scheme, 30 days of annual leave, and more. Support for balancing family and career (including emergency childcare), as well as an inclusive and diverse working environment that promotes equal opportunities.
• Flexible working hours and the option of mobile working within Germany. A challenging role with a high degree of personal responsibility, a diverse and engaging range of tasks, and a significant level of autonomy within an open‑minded and committed team.
• A position that enables you to pursue your academic qualifications within a contract term of up to two years. The duration of the contract is designed to support the acquisition or further development of your academic qualifications (predoc/postdoc) and may depend on previous academic positions held. You will have the opportunity to work towards your doctorate/habilitation and to publish scholarly work.
• Access to an interdisciplinary and diverse network of established scholars in Germany and the United Kingdom to support your research and academic career, particularly in the areas of global catastrophic and existential risk and innovative education.
• Opportunities and a budget to participate in international conferences and workshops and to expand your academic network. Active support for your professional development through training and qualification programs.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to shaping future educational practices and free public education in key areas of global public interest.

Professor Julius Weitzdörfer LLB Dr iur DiplJur BA MA (Cantab)

Phone: +49 2331 987‑4527

Email: julius.weitzdoerfer@fernuni‑hagen.de

Website: https://www.fernuni-hagen.de/eastasianlaw/existential-risks-to-humanity.shtml

Have we sparked your interest? Upload your documents (cover letter, CV, copies of qualifications, etc) to our online application system by 1 February 2026.

The FernUniversität in Hagen is committed to gender equality and equal opportunities. Accordingly, this position is open to all genders (f/m/d). In accordance with the NRW State Equal Opportunities Act, applications from women will be given preferential consideration. This does not affect the rights of individuals with severe disabilities or those with equal status, who will also be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

FernUniversität in Hagen
Dezernat 3 - Personalentwicklung
Universitätsstraße 47
58097 Hagen