The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen invites applications for post-doctoral fellowships for the duration of 6 months from 1 April 2025 until 30 October 2025.

The KWI is an interdisciplinary research institute for the humanities and social sciences in the tradition of institutes for advanced study. Located in the Ruhr Area, the KWI offers a space for independent and innovative research in the humanities and various opportunities to engage and include the public. Currently, research at the KWI focusses on the following areas: literary and cultural sociology, cultural science studies, science communication and public humanities. Further projects are concerned with cultures of communication and political participation. It is one of the main goals of the KWI to find new ways of linking research questions, concepts, methods and theories of philology, cultural studies and the social sciences. We are dedicated to pursuing our interdisciplinary agenda through international collaboration. An important contribution to our scholarly and political work comes from the Academy in Exile, offering research space to colleagues whose academic freedom is threatened. 

The KWI fellowship program addresses excellent researchers from the humanities, cultural studies, and the social sciences. We are inviting research fellows with a completed PhD plus up to six years of post-doctoral experience. Researchers of German nationality are eligible to apply if currently employed at an international institute.

Fellows will receive a fellowship contract (not a full-employment contract) and a monthly allowance meant to cover rent, insurances and living expenses. Travel expenses for arrival at the KWI and for departure after the fellowship can be partially reimbursed. The institute provides fellows with modern infrastructure, office space, technical support and offers a library service, event and research management as well as support in all administrative and communicative regards.