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doctoral scholarship within the “Intersectional Hermeneutics” project

2026-06-10 doctoral scholarship within the “Intersectional Hermeneutics” project

Leuphana University Lüneburg promotes the qualification of academically excellent researchers in the doctoral phase. To fund an individual research project, a doctoral scholarship is being advertised within the “Intersectional Hermeneutics” project in the School of Education, commencing on 1 October 2026.

The doctoral project to be undertaken should address a topic in Christian theology from hermeneutical perspectives in the broadest sense. A high degree of interdisciplinarity is desirable – whether between Christian theology and philosophy, literature, religious studies, political science or theory, media studies, economics or another discipline. Suitable projects will examine specific ‘intersections’ – whether between religion/denomination, class, gender, sexuality, discourses on culture and ethnicity, technologies, media, geography, social systems, time periods, etc. – in order to develop a rigorous hermeneutics of ‘intersection’ from philosophical and theological perspectives. Within these broad parameters, the specific topic is deliberately left to the discretion of the applicants. Great importance is attached to creative thinking, excellence and a passion for research.  

The call for applications is aimed at exceptionally qualified applicants in the aforementioned areas or from relevant related disciplines. The doctoral scholarship is intended to prepare for a doctorate at Leuphana University Lüneburg. A fundamental prerequisite for receiving a scholarship is therefore that applicants are admitted to doctorate at Leuphana University Lüneburg and are enrolled as doctoral candidates at the start of the scholarship. Those who have already completed their doctorate are not eligible for a scholarship.

Selection for the scholarship is based on the application documents submitted, with the following criteria, for example, being used to assess academic excellence:

  • above-average performance in the subjects or modules relevant to the doctoral topic, or in final theses
  • a steady pace in completion of previous studies that takes the student's background into account
  • early publications, participation in specialist events or further academic training (conferences/workshops)

The scholarship is awarded for a period of three years. During the term of the scholarship, the supervisor has the opportunity to conduct performance-based interim evaluations. The doctoral scholarship amounts to €1,650 per month , plus a flat-rate research allowance of €100 per month. A family allowance and a child allowance may be granted upon application. During the scholarship, the focus is on work on one’s own research project, which is why other paid professional activities are only possible to a limited extent; details are set out in the current guidelines for the award of scholarships for the doctoral phase at Leuphana University Lüneburg.

All doctoral candidates at Leuphana are members of a doctoral research group in their respective field and complete their doctoral courses to the extent of 30 CP. The following offers are also available to all scholarship holders through the Graduate School and other actors:

  • Application-based funding via the Qualification Fund for conference attendance, summer schools and research stays
  • Extracurricular workshops and certificate programmes to support academic and non-academic careers
  • Advice and (career) coaching from professionally trained staff
  • Close academic supervision based on the dual-supervision principle, utilising mandatory supervision agreements as well as planning and progress meetings
  • Flexibly bookable PhD workspaces (where required) in the Graduate House

Information on admission to doctorate, the doctoral research group, and doctoral courses can be found on the Graduate School website (www.leuphana.de/gs-en). Basic information on the scholarship selection process and other useful information about scholarships can be found on the Graduate School's scholarship website (www.leuphana.de/scholarships-doctoral-phase).

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  • As a minimum qualification, a completed BA and MA degree (or equivalent) with above-average grades and a subject specialisation with a clear connection to the topic of the call
  • A planned doctoral project in the field of Christian theology with a hermeneutical focus and a distinctly interdisciplinary approach
  • A particular interest in intersectional issues and the connection of theological topics with other disciplines (e.g. philosophy, literature, media, religious studies, cultural studies, political science or social sciences)
  • Very good English is required, German is desirable
  • Ability to conduct academic research
  • An interest in and experience with empirical research is an advantage
  • Organisational and communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, flexibility and initiative
  • Creativity, a passion for interdisciplinary thinking, and a commitment to research and teaching

Please submit your application for the scholarship via Leuphana's scholarship application portal.

The following documents must be attached to the application and uploaded via the portal:

  • A detailed outline of the dissertation project (up to 6 pages)
  • Curriculum vitae, including a description of your academic background and previous research activities
  • Two letters of reference that provide concrete, convincing and relevant knowledge based on direct contact of your previous experience and roles in research and leadership.
  • Certificates relevant to demonstrating your academic qualifications to date, usually from your Master’s degree (in German or English; if in other languages, officially certified translations)
  • If already available, notification of admission to doctorate at the School of Education and the certificate of enrolment for the semester in which the scholarship is to commence

Please direct any academic or content-related questions regarding the scholarship to Prof. Dr Matthew Robinson (matthew.robinson@leuphana.de).

Application deadline: 15 July 2026