Johann Wolfgang Goethe Frankfurt MEM is one of the largest universities in Germany with about 44,000 students and about 5,700 employees. Founded in 1914 by Frankfurt Citizens and since 2008, Goethe University at Goethe University has again enjoyed a high degree of autonomy, modernity and professional diversity. As a comprehensive university, Goethe University offers a total of 16 departments in five universities and 154 programs, along with a wonderful research reputation. Moreover, Goethe University is part of the universe group (RMU).

The German Research Corporation has given funding for the “aesthetics of democracy” research group (GRK 3113-1) at Goethe University, Frankfurt Main, the main and technical at the University of Darmstat. We call for up to 12

PhD sites (M/F/D)

(E 13 TV-GU / TV-To-DarMstadt, 65 % Part-time)

For 48 months, it depends on the final declaration of the money, starting By 01.04.2026. The salary degree depends on the job properties of the collective agreement applied to the University of Goethe (TV-Tu DarMstadt (TV-To-DarMstadt).

The conceptual outline of the research training group:

In public and academic discourse, democracy is usually considered a form of government. On the contrary, the RTG training set is explored, which means understanding democracy as a comprehensive context of collective life. Starting with the concepts proposed by the political theory about the intertwining of the form of the government and the form of living together – including the “way of life”, “the shape of life”, “the political form of society” and “social democracy” – the “aesthetics of democracy” RTG depends on Requestsand Practicesand ThingsAnd Experiences Which gives a form of democratic coexistence. In all four aspects, democratic life has a sensual and aesthetic dimension, focusing on RTG by combining the study of literature, art, cinema, media, history and philosophy.

Aesthetics in this context mean three things: First, the social arrangement specified in terms of sensory (Aithetically(Edkra; Second, the aesthetic forms, rulings and experiences of specific forms of democratic coexistence; Third, technical repercussions, the expression of the group and the difference that contribute to understanding democratic coexistence. According to the premise of the beginning of RTG, democracy is an open, reflexive form of coexistence, as it is characterized by disputes on how it is formed. Its shape consists of negotiating its shape.

RTG follows the goal of training excellent early professional researchers, and thus contributing to multidisciplinary research on democracy that exploits the potential of humanities and developing relations with institutions in civil society. The academic environment of Frankfurt and the Ryan Man region has long -term competencies in democracy and beauty, which it is greater than 18 international partner organizations in GRK on five continents.

The requirements and documents for the application:

The pre -application of successful application is an excellent degree (MA, Master, or Bonus Degrees) in one of the participating specializations (aesthetics, American studies, artistic history, comparative literature, cinematic and media studies, German studies, modern history, philosophy, Scandinavian studies, and pocket cells), which must be completed at the beginning of the program (01.04.2026). Theses are generally designed as multidisciplinary projects with the supervision of consultants at (at least) two specialties.

Applicants must be able to develop an original research question that contributes to the general topic and fears of the program. They should be very enthusiastic researchers who can successfully complete a thesis project based on their chosen topic during the four -year time frame. They should also be ready to think about the effects of their research project for civil society in the context of laboratory projects.

The “aesthetics of democracy” is a collective aesthetic. PhD students are expected to be regularly present on the campus and stay in the capital area in the River Rhine. We consider residence necessary to build society and support professional development, as it enhances participation with their peers and faculty members in scientific activities. PhD students also play an active role in the daily operation of the program. The study program is characterized by a three -stage structure with units called “Asas”, “Workshop” and “Laboratory”, in which PhD students actively participate in each level. It is represented in the committees and helps in organizing various events, such as conferences, workshops, reading groups and guest lectures. The required attendance and accommodation enables PhD students to become an active part of vibrant academic and cultural life in Frankfurt and Darmattat.

RTG work languages ​​are English and German. Applicants must have an excellent leadership of English. Applicants who do not show in German will be actively supported in improving their linguistic skills, for example through an intensive German cycle.

In addition to the biography of the curricula, copies of academic certificates, and two letters of recommendation, applicants must submit a letter of motivation and comprehensive construction from ten pages that define the proposed doctorate project. The project’s proposal must clearly clarify the alignment of research with the comprehensive topic of the program, and to provide a well -defined research question, and clarifies in detail the proposed methodology. Applicants must identify potential consultants among the main researchers, identify related academic discipline, and provide information related to the current situation of the project as well as the potential schedule.

We are committed to promoting the profession of applicants active. Women and individuals with disabilities, as well as applicants for sexual trends, are encouraged by an incomplete representation, minority groups, and social and economic classes to apply. Priority will be given to individuals with severe disabilities in the event of equal efficiency and ability.

Applications must be submitted electronically (one document PDF) to applications@aesthetics -f-lymocracy.de By 14.11.2025. It should be directed to the program director, Professor Dr. Johannes Velez, Institute of English and American Studies, University of Goethe Frankfurt Mai.

More information about the program, application requirements and admission procedures can be found on our website: www.aethetics -f-democracy.de.