Funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), the interdisciplinary Research Training Group (RTG) focusses on imperial temporalities and their representation, reflection, memories, resonance, experiences, and manipulation in the context of imperial transformation and in post-imperial orders. Within this framework, the RTG focusses on three main aspects: (a) imperial space, (b) imperial institutions and normative structures, and (c) imperial economies. Representatives of the following disciplines are involved: History of any global area from antiquity to the present, Sociology, Political Science, Near Eastern Studies, and English Literature. In addition, the RTG collaborates with representatives of the departments of Economics and European and International Law.

We are committed supporting gender, ethnic and cultural diversity and strongly encourage international applicants.

The postdoctoral researcher should have completed their PhD or doctoral degree and demonstrate evidence of prior research in the field of Empire Studies. For the application we expect a research project that focusses on an innovative topic concerning Empire Studies, possibly with a comparative component.

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 of Germany
- optional courses for acquiring advanced research skills and professional training
- opportunities for teaching, enhancing leadership skills, and gathering further experience in research practices (e.g. conference organization, writing funding applications, editing publications, etc.)
- opportunity for doing a Habilitation at the University of Freiburg

We expect:

- a PhD/doctoral degree 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
- a research project within the framework of the RTG research programme
- experience in international academic collaboration and interdisciplinary research
- English proficiency at least at the level of B2 at the start of the employment (see https://www.sli.uni-freiburg.de/english/tests/tests#cef)
- willingness to acquire German for communication purposes in the course of the employment

There is a statutory requirement of residence in or around Freiburg for the duration of the employment, except for periods of study abroad.

Your employment will involve:

- working independently on an innovative research project within the remit of the research perspectives of the RTG, to be completed by the end of the employment period.
- presenting your project and related research on a regular basis within and outside of the RTG
- participating in the activities of the RTG and in the meetings of the executive board
- supporting and developing the research programme of the RTG and to communicate cooperatively with senior and doctoral members of the RTG
- supporting the organization of workshops, conferences and other activities of the RTG

Your application should include:

- a letter of motivation (1–2 pages)
- an academic CV (including a list of publications, conference papers, distinctions and awards)
- copies of degree certificates and diplomas
- a research proposal (ca. 10 pages), including a schedule and details of how the project will fit into the research framework of the RTG
- two letters of recommendation, providing information on your academic and personal qualifications as well as the quality of your application and project, to be sent by the referees directly to kontakt@grk2571.uni-freiburg.de, under the heading GRK2571 – reference number 00004059 / [your name].

The University of Freiburg 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.

Please send your application in a single PDF file with the reference no 00004059 to the following

kontakt@grk2571.uni-freiburg.de

Invitations for interviews will be sent out in the middle of January 2025. Interviews will be held in mid-February 2025. In case of transatlantic or other long-distance travel, digital interviews will be arranged.

For further information on the RTG and its research programme, please visit https://www.grk2571.uni-freiburg.de. For inquiries, contact our administrative office kontakt@grk2571.uni-freiburg.de, or the spokesperson of the RTG, Prof. Sitta von Reden, sitta.von.reden@grk2571.uni-freiburg.de

The position is limited to 31. Oktober 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.