PhD Positions "Aesthetics of Democracy" (Call for Applications)

Goethe University Frankfurt and TU Darmstadt invite applications for up to 12 doctoral positions (E 13 TV-G-U / TV-TU-Darmstadt, 65 %, fixed term 48 months) within the DFG-funded Research Training Group “Aesthetics of Democracy” (GRK 3113-1). Start: April 1, 2026. Application deadline: November 14, 2025.

The program explores democracy not only as a form of government but as an aesthetic and lived form of collective life—through literature, art, film, media studies, history, and philosophy. It asks how practices, orders, and experiences shape democratic coexistence, and it trains early career researchers in an interdisciplinary environment.

Applicants must hold an excellent degree (Master’s or equivalent, completed by April 2026) in one of the participating fields: Comparative Literature, American Studies, Aesthetics, Film and Media Studies, German Studies, Art History, Modern History, Philosophy, Sinology, or Scandinavian Studies. Dissertations are usually interdisciplinary, supervised by at least two disciplines.

Doctoral researchers are expected to participate fully in the program, including residency and presence in Frankfurt/Darmstadt. Working languages are English and German (language support available).

Application documents: CV, certificates, two letters of recommendation, motivation letter, and a 10-page project proposal. Submit to: applications@aesthetics-of-democracy.de

Further information: www.aesthetics-of-democracy.de