The Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany, invites applications for the position of a postdoctoral researcher (4.5 years, salary according to TV-L 13, 100%, from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2025) within the Research Training Group (DFG-Graduiertenkolleg) „Empires: Dynamic Change, Temporality and Post-Imperial Orders“.
Funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), the interdisciplinary Research Training Group (RTG) focuses on imperial temporalities and their representation, reflection, resonance, and manipulation in periods of accelerated imperial change and in post-imperial contexts. The RTG follows three main lines of research: temporalities involved in a) the transformation of imperial space, b) imperial economies, and c) imperial institutions and normative structures. The following disciplines participate in the RTG: Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern, and Contemporary History of any global area, Sociology, Political Science, Near Eastern Studies, Literary/Cultural/Media Studies. For further information please visit: www.altegeschichte.uni-freiburg.de/forschung/imperien.
The postdoctoral researcher should have completed a PhD dissertation and present evidence of prior research in the field of empire studies. At the time of application, they should present a research project focusing on an innovative topic concerning imperial studies, possibly with a comparative component.
We expect:
- a PhD dissertation in one of the disciplines represented in the RTG
- expertise in one of the subject areas of the RTG, documented by the dissertation or any other publications
- experience in international academic collaboration and interdisciplinary research
- B2 knowledge of German and English; see https://www.sli.uni-freiburg.de/english/tests/tests#cef
- willingness to relocate to Freiburg (exceptions can be made under the current circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic)
We offer:
- excellent opportunities for academic and interdisciplinary research
- excellent opportunities for the development of an international research profile and career advancement
- funding for a research stay abroad (up to eight months) at one of the RTG’s collaborating research institutions
- travel grants for field work, attendance of conferences and lectures within and outside Germany
- optional courses for acquiring advanced research skills and professional training
- opportunities for teaching, enhancing leadership skills, and gathering further experience in senior research practices (e.g. conference organization, writing funding applications, editing publications, etc.)
The remit of your employment will include:
- to work independently on an innovative research project, which will be finished in 4.5 years with a monograph. It is possible to obtain a Habilitation at the Freiburg University
- to present your project on a regular basis within and outside of the RTG
- to take part in the activities of the RTG and in the meetings of the executive board
- to support and develop the graduate school program and to communicate cooperatively with the professors and the Ph.D. students and to support the organization of conferences
Your application should include:
- a letter of motivation (1–2 pages)
- an academic CV (including lists of publications, conference papers, distinctions and awards)
- copies of degree certificates and diplomas
- a proposal of a research project (ca. 10 pages), including a time schedule and details of how the project will fit into the RTG’s general research profile
- two letters of recommendation, providing information on your academic and personal qualification as well as the quality of your application and project, to be sent by the referees directly to the following address: kontakt@grk2571.uni-freiburg.de, under the heading GRK2571_[your name].
Please send your application in a single PDF file by 04.09.2020 with the reference no: 00001167 to the following address: kontakt@grk2571.uni-freiburg.de.
Freiburg University seeks to increase the number of women in positions in which they are underrepresented. Preference will be given to applicants with disabilities if there are several equally qualified candidates. The University of Freiburg is committed to offering support for young scholars with families.
This invitation for applications is subject to availability of funds.