Job advertisement: Acting editor (all genders) for the key project “The 20th Century in Basic Concepts. A Dictionary of Historical Semantics in Germany”
The Leibniz Center for Literary and Cultural Research (ZfL) is a humanities institute for literary research in interdisciplinary contexts that draws from a cultural studies framework. It is part of the Humanities Centers Berlin e.V. (GWZ).
The ZfL is seeking an acting editor (all genders) for the key project “The 20th Century in Basic Concepts. A Dictionary of Historical Semantics in Germany.” The standard workweek is 39 hours (part-time work is possible). Compensation corresponds to the TVöD (E9c). The start date is February 1, 2027, and is initially fixed-term until January 31, 2028.
“The 20th Century in Basic Concepts” is a lexicon project examining the evolution of political and social language in Germany from the perspective of the history of concepts. The project uses classical hermeneutic and recent digital methods. Launched in 2022, the project aims to publish approximately 100 articles, which will be made available both online and in print by Schwabe Verlag.
Tasks
- Academic editing, proofreading, and substantive revision of entries for the lexicon “Das 20. Jahrhundert in Grundbegriffen”
- Review and verification of sources and citations
- Formatting manuscripts according to style guidelines
- Supervision of student assistants on the project
- Coordination of the collaboration between editors, project team members, and student assistants
- Communication with the authors of lexicon articles
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a humanities discipline (or equivalent qualification)
- Experience editing academic texts (editing certificate preferred) and conducting source research
- Knowledge of 20th-century German history and political systems
- Ability to work independently
- German proficiency (CEFR C2)
- English proficiency (minimum CEFR B2)
What we offer
- A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
- Family-friendly working condition
- Opportunities for professional development
Application materials should include
- Cover letter describing your interest in the project and your editorial experience (maximum two pages)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Copies of degree certificates and other relevant qualifications (including editing certificate, if applicable)
Please submit your application by November 30, 2026 as a single PDF file to PD Dr. Falko Schmieder (bewerbungen@zfl-berlin.org), using the subject line “Redaktion Lexikon.” Interviews are expected to take place between December 7 and 18, 2026.
The ZfL is committed to equal opportunities and gender equality and supports the reconciliation of work and family life. It aims for a balanced gender ratio among its employees and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification.
By applying for this position, applicants consent to the processing and storage of their personal data for the purpose of the recruitment process in accordance with Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).