Jörg Jost

Philosophische Fakultät, Institut für deutsche Sprache und Literatur II (IDSL II), University of Cologne: a research and qualification-focused position for a Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in (w/m/d) in the VERA 8 project. The post is embedded in the development of the technologically based VERA tests for German (VERA 8 Deutsch), coordinated by the Institut zur Qualitätsentwicklung im Bildungswesen (IQB Berlin). The work spans the full test-development cycle: selecting suitable stimuli, developing varied test tasks, quality assurance, selecting test materials, writing didactic commentaries and classroom handouts, and planning and running meetings and training sessions in Cologne and Berlin. The role also includes processing and disseminating project-related research questions, with opportunities to work in the area of technologically based assessment. This position is explicitly intended for someone planning a doctorate in language didactics. As a doctoral researcher, you will be part of the Forschungsklasse Sprachdidaktik in Cologne, working in a team with colleagues in Cologne and with subject-didactics experts at other universities as well as the IQB. The project offers a strong interdisciplinary and inter-institutional environment for networking, exchange, and the development of your own research questions. Profile and eligibility: a completed teaching degree in German, ideally with a focus on lower secondary education; strong interest in linguistics and language didactics; openness to data-informed instructional development and educational monitoring; interest in reading, listening, grammar/language reflection, and orthography; basic knowledge of empirical language didactics; and willingness to work collaboratively and communicate with stakeholders in educational research and administration. Employment conditions: the position starts immediately, is part-time (29.87 hours per week), and is fixed-term until 31 August 2028. Remuneration is based on TV-L pay grade E13, subject to the relevant collective agreement and personal eligibility. The University of Cologne emphasizes equal opportunities, diversity, and a family-friendly work environment, and supports flexible working, professional development, health management, and mobile work options. Application: apply online via the University of Cologne job portal, using reference number Wiss2608-08, and include supporting documents proving your qualifications. The application deadline is 8 September 2026.