In 2025, the Chair for Historical Theory at Bielefeld University was selected for funding through the Volkswagen Foundation's “Momentum” program. In this context, a postdoctoral research position will be funded for four years to collaboratively advance the development of a “Material-Oriented Theory of History” together with Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni. The aim is to develop a new understanding of the past and of history, based on both the examination of theories about matter and on empirical material analyses. This will take place at two levels: firstly, at the ontological level, where scientific reflections on matter and on things as relational events should inspire the development of a new theory of history. Secondly, from an epistemological perspective, the focus is on how the past can be accessed through material dimensions and on the resultant implications for the understanding of history as knowledge. This concept is supported by a transdisciplinary, theory-oriented object and material laboratory, and a teaching and research collection currently in progress. We are looking for a postdoc researcher with a sound knowledge of theories, methods and research approaches to materiality. The person appointed will shape contribute to the conceptual development of the new research field "Material-Oriented Theory of History", assist in the academic program within the framework of conceptual funding, and participate in research and teaching activities in Theory of History and at the Center for Theories in Historical Research.
Your tasks:
- Development of an independent academic research project (postdoc) within the specified subject areas and research questions (45%).
- Co-design and coordination of the academic program and public outreach (40%)
- Teaching equivalent of 2 contact hours per week (flexible arrangement possible by mutual agreement), involvement in exams and the supervision of bachelor and master theses (12%)
- Engagement in the academic self-administration of the Department of History (3%)
Table of Content
Summary
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Benefits
- salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
- fixed-term (limited until December 31, 2029) (§ 2 (1) sentence 2 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
- full-time
- internal and external training opportunities
- variety of health, consulting and prevention services
- reconcilability of family and work
- flexible working hours
- 30 days holiday and additional days off on December 24th. and 31.12. (depending on the specific field of work)
- good transport connection
- supplementary company pension
- collegial working environment
- open and pleasant working atmosphere
- exciting, varied tasks
- modern work environment with digital processes
- various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, university shop, ATM, etc.)
Requirements
We expect this:
- University degree in History, Philosophy, or other disciplines relevant to the topics, such as Material Cultural Studies, Science and Technology Studies or Conservation and Material Sciences
- Dissertation in History, Philosophy, or other disciplines relevant to the topics, such as Material Cultural Studies, Science and Technology Studies or Conservation and Material Sciences
- University teaching experience
- Ability to work independently and as a team player
This is what we wish:
- Focus on history in academic studies and/or doctoral research
- Good to very good written and spoken language skills in German, English and a third European language
- Interest in theoretical questions and interdisciplinary research approaches
- Experience in acquiring third-party funding
Application Documents
- cover letter
- certificates
- curriculum vitae
- list of publications
- list of university courses taught
- a three-page exposé outlining the proposed research project
Application Deadline
August 28, 2025How To Apply
Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to
Bielefeld University on uni-bielefeld.hr4you.org to apply
Contact
Address:
Universität Bielefeld
Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology
Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni
P.O. Box 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
For more information, kindly visit Bielefield University scholarship webpage.
