The Institute of History at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich) invites applications for a 80% doctoral position (Assistenz I) in Extra-European History. The position is affiliated to the chair “History of the Modern World” (Prof. Harald Fischer-Tiné). It can be extended up to three years and is tenable from July 1, 2009. The annual salary starts with CHF 52,000 in the first year and reaches CHF 60,800 in the third year.

Applicants should hold an M.A. (or its equivalent) within an area relevant to the study of modern global history (18th to 20th century). Applications are welcomed from applicants with a background in history and/or area studies with a focus on a non- western region (such as Africa, Middle East, Asia, Oceania or Latin America). Applicants with a sound knowledge of at least one relevant non-European language will be preferred.
Successful candidates are expected to write a PhD thesis in a field relating to the main research foci of the chair “History of the Modern World” (i.e. transnational history, the history of imperialism/colonialism and postcolonial studies) within the three years under contract. Furthermore, advanced knowledge in IT and web design would be appreciated, as part of the task will be to take care of the team’s website (http://www.gmw.ethz.ch) and IT facilities. It is hence expected that the person appointed will be present at the institute at least one full working day per week.

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation combined with a short proposal of their PhD project (3-4 pages), documentation of their qualifications and at least one letter of reference by an academic teacher by May 20, 2009 to the address below.
Informal inquiries and applications may be directed to the address below.