Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d)

About the Role

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) is one of Europe’s leading universities, built on more than five centuries of academic tradition and known for demanding teaching standards and strong research output. The position is based at the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Department of Asian Studies, Institute of Sinology in Munich. It is a fixed-term appointment for three years, begins on 01.10.2026, and is funded at TV-L E13 level at 50% FTE. The role is intended for a doctoral candidate working on ancient China.

The research environment focuses on the history of late pre-imperial and early imperial China, roughly from the 5th century BCE to the early 3rd century CE. The team works with a wide range of sources, including transmitted texts, philosophical and historical writings, archaeological texts, as well as finds and evidence from graves and settlements. The goal is to bring these materials together and analyze them systematically to answer historically meaningful questions about social, political, economic, and religious developments.

Successful applicants will join an existing research group made up of seven doctoral researchers, two postdoctoral researchers, and the chair holder for Ancient Chinese History. The work is embedded in one of the world’s leading institutes for the study of ancient China and offers excellent infrastructure for research at an international level.

Responsibilities

• Develop and complete an original doctoral dissertation on an innovative topic within the social, political, economic, or religious history of late pre-imperial and early imperial China.
• Base the dissertation on the analysis of transmitted writings, archaeological texts, and archaeological finds and evidence.
• Integrate suitable theoretical approaches from relevant disciplines such as sociology or anthropology.
• Contribute 2.5 semester hours per week to teaching in the bachelor’s program in Sinology.
• Take on administrative duties within the Institute of Sinology.

Requirements

• Outstanding master’s degree in Sinology or Chinese archaeology from a German university.
• Openness to the methods mentioned above and to interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research.
• Very strong written and spoken English skills.
• Very strong command of Classical Chinese and Modern Chinese.

Additional Information

• Two doctoral positions in Ancient China are available.
• The appointment is funded at 50% of TV-L E13.
• The contract is limited to three years.
• Earliest start date: 01.10.2026.
• Workplace: central Munich, with good access to public transportation.
• LMU has signed the Diversity Charter and is committed to diversity and gender equality.
• The university supports family-friendly working conditions through its family service.
• Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in cases of essentially equal qualification.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.
• Application materials requested: cover letter explaining the fit between your research interests and the team’s requirements; complete CV including publications list if applicable; project description for the proposed dissertation (maximum one DIN A4 page, Times New Roman 12 pt, single-spaced); five-year career plan (maximum five DIN A4 pages, Times New Roman 12 pt, single-spaced) with a coherent narrative; copies of all academic degree certificates (bachelor’s and master’s).
• Application deadline: 07.07.2026.
• Applications must be submitted through the university’s application portal.
• LMU provides a high-level research environment for scholars working on questions related to people, society, culture, environment, and technology.