W3-professorship in »Algorithmic Imagining

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is an internationally established university that looks back on 160 years of history and sees itself in the tradition of the Bauhaus. It combines science, technology, art, and design. This approach significantly shapes the self-image of the faculties of Media, Architecture and Urbanism, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Art and Design. Beyond their subject-specific tasks, the faculties are particularly committed to interdisciplinary cooperation and the integration of practice, art, and science.

As part of the »Imaginamics« Cluster of Excellence established in collaboration with Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Faculty of Media at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Department of Media Studies, is seeking to fill a W3-professorship in »Algorithmic Imagining« effective October 1, 2027.

The »Imaginamics« Cluster of Excellence is a third-party-funded, cross-faculty, and cross-university research initiative that examines the phenomenon of social imagining from an interdisciplinary perspective. Unlike previous approaches to social imaginaries, which were mostly content-oriented, the cluster focuses on the process of social imagining and the associated practices and dynamics (for further information, please visit ).

The overarching mission of the professorship is to investigate, critically question, and theoretically co-design interactions between different types of algorithms and processes of social imagining. Examples include the transformation of literary and artistic practices through generative Artificial Intelligence and/or virtual museums; the emergence and evolution of cultural discourses by means of (serious) gaming or social VR; and the social, cultural, and intellectual history of algorithmic modes of thinking and acting.

Within the cluster, the professorship will play a key role in the planning and organization of the »Digital Hub«, as well as in fostering collaboration between scholars in the humanities and social sciences and computer scientists.

We are seeking a researcher with a strong research record who will approach these tasks in substantial and innovative ways. Experience in securing external funding, in academic teaching, and in supervising doctoral projects is required. The general requirements for appointment are set forth in § 84 of the Thuringian Higher Education Act. Specific academic requirements include, among other things, a completed university degree, an outstanding doctoral dissertation, and an additional qualification (e.g., a Habilitation or an evaluated junior professorship) in media studies, cultural studies, or related fields.

Similar qualifications in computer science, information science, or other relevant disciplines related to digital and algorithmic systems are also acceptable. Candidates are expected to have a research focus in areas such as Artificial Intelligence Studies, Critical Code Studies, or Data Studies; proven expertise in media studies, literary theory and art theory, as well as the history of technology and/or media; and the ability to develop an independent research profile closely aligned with the topics of the Cluster of Excellence.

A thorough understanding of the conceptual, technical, and operational functioning of algorithmic systems is required. We expect demonstrated expertise for teaching in our German- and English-language degree programs »Medienkultur« (Bachelor-s), »Medienwissenschaft« (Master-s), and »Media Ecologies« (Master-s).

Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to productively integrate theoretical, historical, and cultural studies perspectives into interdisciplinary collaboration with the Department of Media Informatics and to teach these perspectives in ways that are…