Research Assistant (Pre-Doctoral) – 65% Part-Time (4-Year Limit)

About the role

The Institute for Eastern European Studies at Freie Universität Berlin is launching a DFG‑funded research group on Energy Entanglements in Eastern Europe. The sub‑project “Communicating Pipes” seeks a pre‑doctoral researcher to investigate pipelines as technical media and symbolic objects.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct discourse‑historical and media‑theoretical analyses of political rhetoric and artistic representations of major pipeline projects (e.g., Soyuz, Urengoy‑Uzhgorod, Nord Stream, Druzhba).
• Develop and write a doctoral thesis on the multifunctionality of pipelines.
• Contribute to an anthology of source material on pipeline issues.
• Participate actively in sub‑project and group academic events, workshops, and conferences.

Required profile

• Completed MA or equivalent in Eastern European Studies, Slavic Studies, Comparative Literature, Media Theory, Cultural Studies or a related field.
• Excellent (C1) proficiency in English and German.
• Excellent (C1) proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian.
• Basic (B1) knowledge of Belarusian, Czech or Polish is advantageous.
• Basic knowledge of German or willingness to acquire it within the first year.

Required skills

What we offer

• 65 % part‑time contract (fixed‑term, up to four years) at salary grade 13 TV‑L.
• Opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Access to academic networks across several German research institutions.