We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.
Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne
make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in
science, technology, and administration.
We are seeking a Research Associate for the project
"Computational philology at the intersection of games
and prognostication: an edition of the German "Prenostica
Socratis Basilei" (PSB)" under the direction of directed by
Jun.-Professor Dr Elisa Cugliana. The aim of the project is to
edit the medieval German versions of the sortes text Prenos-
tica Socratis Basilei (PSB). To highlight the multimodality and
interactive nature of this divinatory and playful genre, the
resulting online edition will offer both a text-based interface
and a game mode.
YOUR TASKS
» Data modelling of text, images, and objects in a graph
database (Neo4j); transformation between data formats
» Development of computer-assisted methods: program-
ming and adaptation of processes for stemmatological
analyses, normalization, semantic annotations, and text
analyses
» Interface development: design and implementation of an
interactive, user-friendly web interface
» Game development: conception and implementation of
the game model
» Data management and integrity: ensuring consistency,
sustainability, and reusability of the data throughout
the project, as well as integration into the institutional
infrastructure
YOUR PROFILE
» Completed Master's/Magister/Diplom degree in digital
humanities, with a particular focus on processing textual
and image data
» Interest in digital philology
» Programming skills and experience working with Python
» Knowledge of graph technologies and graph-based
systems
» Willingness and interest to learn new methods and
technologies (e.g., phylogenetic methods)
» Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team
» Strong English skills are required; German language skills
would be an advantage
WE OFFER
» An experimental environment for developing new
computational methods for processing data from
historical sources
» An exciting research project on a historical genre
at the intersection of magic, games, and science
» A diverse research environment encompassing
Cologne's DH institutions.
» Opportunity to pursue a doctorate on topics
addressed in the project
» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
» Support in balancing work and family life
» Extensive advanced training opportunities
» Occupational health management offers
» Flexible working time models
» Opportunity to work remotely
The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and
diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accor-
dance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-
Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW).
We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable
candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and
social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and
identity.
The position is available from 1 March 2026 on a part-
time basis (25,89 hours per week). The position ist to be
filled for a fixed term of 3 years. If the applicant meets the
relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications,
the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the
pay scale for the German public sector.
Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications
without a photo under: The
reference number is Wiss The application deadline is
15 November 2025.
For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Elisa
Cugliana (elisa.-) and take a look at our
FAQs.
Research Associate (f/m/x) in Digital Humanities
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Department for Digital Humanities