The University of Music and Theatre Munich (HMTM) is one of the most prestigious and diverse training institutions for music, dance, and theatre professions in Europe. Set against the backdrop of Munich’s vibrant cultural scene, the HMTM offers an internationally oriented environment for approximately 1,400 students who pursue their studies across more than 100 degree programmes with artistic, pedagogical, and academic profiles. The roughly 900 events hosted by the HMTM each year serve as a vital space of practical experience for students while simultaneously enriching the cultural life of the Bavarian state capital and the surrounding region. Around 500 internationally renowned faculty members and numerous successful alumni contribute to the institution’s global reputation.

The HMTM, in cooperation with the Academy of Fine Arts Munich, the University of Television and Film Munich, the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and the University of Regensburg, invites applications for

Two Research Associates (m/f/d) (part-time, up to 65% each), fixed-term until 31 December 2027 (subject to final funding approval)

for the pilot phase of a planned international and interdisciplinary “Graduiertenkolleg” (graduate research training group) “Audiovisual Narratives” commencing 1 July 2026.

The Graduiertenkolleg combines artistic practice and scholarly research in an interdisciplinary approach to investigate artistic and art-analogous processes and mechanisms of audiovisual storytelling: ranging from short-form content such as TikTok videos and Instagram Reels to multi-season television series and multi-part, transmedia film and video game franchises. The selected early-career researchers will be supervised within a structured doctoral programme by professors from Bavarian universities as well as universities of music and the arts.

These research associate positions are designed to facilitate academic advancement towards a PhD in musicology, music media management, media studies, contemporary German literature, or philosophy/aesthetics.

Responsibilities

• Conducting and managing an individual doctoral research project in one of the specified fields
• Contributing to the organisation of academic events and formats
• Assisting with editorial work on scholarly publications
• Teaching duties of 1.00 SWS 

Requirements

• University degree (Master’s, Staatsexamen or equivalent) with excellent results in a field relevant to the doctoral research project
• Doctoral research project with a clear connection to the research profile of the Graduiertenkolleg “Audiovisual Narratives”
• Some prior experience in academic settings is desirable
• Proficiency in preparing and editing scholarly texts
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, with strong communication and teamwork skills
• Good German language skills (at least CEFR level B2) or the willingness to acquire these in a timely manner
• Excellent command of English

We offer an engaging position with substantial responsibility at one of the aforementioned partner universities, embedded in a highly networked environment characterised by intensive collaboration and exchange.

What to expect from us:

• Standard social benefits of the public sector (e.g. the VBL supplementary pension scheme), as well as a wide range of professional development and training opportunities
• Flexible working hours and remote working options
• Benefits include access to JobBike Bayern and discounted local public transport passes
• As an employee of Munich’s state universities, you will have access to the diverse offerings of the ZHS (Zentraler Hochschulsport München)

What we offer:

The terms of this fixed-term position are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German states (TV-L). Subject to meeting all requirements, remuneration will be based on pay grade E 13 TV-L (for applicants holding a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification). The positions are funded through the “Hochschulvertrag” (University Agreement) and run until 31 December 2027, subject to final confirmation, with the HMTM offering support in securing subsequent funding.

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnic and cultural background, religion, worldview, sexual orientation, and identity.

The position is suitable for applicants with severe disabilities. Applicants with a recognised severe disability will be given preferential consideration if they are otherwise equally qualified in terms of suitability, aptitude, and professional achievement. We place particular importance on a thoughtful and sensitive approach to professional boundaries in teaching.

Application documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Project proposal (approx. 5 pages)
• Degree certificates
• Master’s thesis, Zulassungsarbeit, or equivalent

Would you like to become part of one of Europe’s most renowned arts universities? We look forward to receiving your complete application (in English or German) exclusively through our online portal at https://hmtm.de/stellenausschreibungen/.

Deadline: 12 June 2026

For questions regarding the position, please contact the designated spokesperson of the planned Graduiertenkolleg Prof. Dr. Friedrich Geiger (friedrich.geiger@hmtm.de), Institute of Musicology, University of Music and Theatre Munich.

For questions regarding the application procedure, please contact bewerbung@hmtm.de.

Please note that the university cannot cover or reimburse any travel expenses related to the interview process.