Research Knowledge Engineer (m/f/x)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time, full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%;) 01.07.2026, we are looking for 1

Research Knowledge Engineer (m/f/x) CERES is a Central Research Unit of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. It brings together over 50 researchers, currently making it one of the largest centers for the comparative study of religion in Europe. The position will be filled within the CRC 1475 “Metaphors of Religion” combining digital research methods with philology and religious studies to study the role of metaphors in religious communication. Based on a linguistically and historically wide-ranging corpus (including Avestan, Sanskrit, Hebrew, Arabic, Classical Chinese, Tibetan, and several European languages; from the second millennium BCE to the present), the CRC comparatively analyzes metaphors across tradition seeking as Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Its research is strongly collaborative, grounded in a shared digital infrastructure and a common methodological and theoretical framework. Further details can be found at https://sfb1475.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/Subject to a pending commitment from the German Research Foundation (DFG) expected in mid-May 2026, the CRC 1475 is seeking to fill a position as a research knowledge engineer in subproject Information Infrastructure (INF) under the direction of Prof. Dr. Volkhard Krech, Prof. Dr. Christoph Sander The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany's leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum's declared aim.

• OWL compliant ontology modeling of linguistic and conceptual metaphors in exchange with domain experts

• Modeling a semantic thesaurus reflecting requirements and theoretical considerations of the involved subjects and domains

• MA degree in Digital Humanities, or MA degree in either a humanities discipline or a computer science related discipline with documented experience in digital humanities (PhD desirable)

• Knowledge of relevant upper and domain ontologies in the humanities (e.g., CIDOC CRM, FRBRoo, BFO)

• Profound knowledge of relevant Semantic Web technologies, interoperability formats, and Linked Open Data workflows (RDF, SPARQL, OWL, SHACL etc.)

• Good communication skills and abilities to explain abstract technicalities for non-DH domain experts

• Interest in conceptual metaphor theory and religious studies

• Willingness to contribute to academic and presentations

• Very good knowledge of English or German, and a willingness to learn the other language In addition, the following qualifications are desired:

• Experience with semantic taxonomies, e.g. in SKOS

• Knowledge of linguistic and/or religious studies related concepts and research, esp. related to (religious) metaphors

• Experience with relevant NFDI consortia and their data federation pipelines

• Ongoing or completed Ph.D. in a digital humanities related subject

ZWE CERES: Religion One position of a research associate (TV-L E 13) is to be filled for 42 months starting on July 01, 2026. Scope: part-time, full-time Duration: fixed-term, 31.12.2029 Start: 01.07.2026 We offer:

• An interdisciplinary research environment including colleagues from computational linguistics, digital humanities, religious studies and various philologies
• The opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. in a structured graduate program with strong support
• Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• Professional development, mentoring, and training
• The opportunity to join one of the largest universities in Germany, embedded in the University Alliance Ruhr
• Possibility to work part-time Further information: The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the countries (TV-L).If the staff and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L. Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German). The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no obligation. The position is generally suitable for part-time work. RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a preservation. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the the individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum explicitly requests job applications from women. In areas in which You are underrepresented You will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome. .