Doctoral Researcher in Modern History at the University of Freiburg 2026

The Horizon Europe project BLOCKADE and the Department of History at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg are looking for Doctoral Researcher in Modern History. 

The 4-year doctoral position will be located at the Juniorprofessur for Transatlantic and North American History (Jun.-Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Piller) and will be part of the European Research Council project, “The Hidden Weapon. Blockade in the Era of the Two World Wars (BLOCKADE)”.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJune 1, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Freiburg
• City to studyBaden-Württemberg
• School to studyUniversity of Freiburg
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Experience in an exciting, multi-location international research project
• Generous travel and conference funds and opportunity to invite guest scholars
• Opportunity for intellectual growth and career advancement, including a wide variety of training, mentoring and professional development offerings available at the university
• Open,  inclusive and supportive work environment with committed colleagues
• Working in an attractive German university town, and in close proximity to the culinary and cultural delights of Switzerland, France and the Black Forest
• Salary according to the levels set by the public sector agreements TV-L E13 (https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/allg) at 65%.
• There is no teaching obligation associated with the position

Requirements

·      You must have completed Master’s degree in history (or a closely related displine) or be able to show that the degree will be conferred shortly

·      Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English (equivalent to at least level B2)

·      Excellent reading skills in the languages of the countries to be examined in the doctoral project (equivalent to level B2)

·      Experience in dealing with archival sources

·      Enthusiasm about the project and about working in a team

·      Prior knowledge of the historiography and primary sources related to the period of the World Wars is desirable

Application Documents

·  a letter of motivation detailing your prior experience and your fit for the project (1-2 pages)

·  a research plan (2-4 pages; Calibri, 11 font size, 1.5 line space), including a provisional four-year work plan

·  a CV

·  Grade transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees

·  A writing sample (such as a term paper or Master’s thesis)

·  Name and contact information of two referees to be contacted for references (upon or after reaching the interview stage)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please send your complete application documents – in one PDF file – to [email protected] by 1 June 2026. Interviews with selected applicants will take place in the second half of June.

• Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004945. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:
  Historisches Seminar
  Rempartstr 15
  79098 Freiburg

For more information, kindly visit the University of Freiburg webpage.