2 Research Positions (PhD positions) “Mnemonic Populism in Contemporary Europe” (Bielefeld Univ.)
The Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology (Department of History) at the Bielefeld University offers 2 PhD positions for 3 years each in the framework of the Junior Research Group “Mnemonic Populism in Contemporary Europe” (PI: Kornelia Kończal) funded by the Volkswagen Foundation (Freigeist Fellowship, 2023-2028). The main aim of the project “Mnemonic Populism in Contemporary Europe” is to explore the ways in which the past has been used by populist forces in Europe after 1945.
2 Research Positions (PhD positions)
Start: 1 June 2025 (a later start date may be considered for the successful candidate)
Salary according to salary scale 13 TV-L
Fixed term: 3 years
Deadline for applications: 24 April 2025
Your tasks
Your main task will be to complete your dissertation, which should also make a significant contribution to the project “Mnemonic Populism in Contemporary Europe”. You will benefit from a structured and interdisciplinary doctoral training at the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology and from the advantages of being a member of Historical Cultures Profile Area. You will be expected to participate in and (co-)organise events of the project “Mnemonic Populism in Contemporary Europe” and to get involved in the activities of the Department and the Profile Area. You will also be expected to present your research at conferences and will be encouraged to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Your profile
MA degree in history or related disciplines (e.g. anthropology, cultural studies, political science, sociology)
Interest in interdisciplinary and international cooperation
Autonomous, self-reliant and committed way of working
Cooperative and team-oriented mindset
Strong coordination and organization skills
Language skills necessary to conduct comparative research (projects exploring the developments in two or more countries are particularly welcome)
Good proficiency in written and spoken English
We offer
A salary in accordance with pay scale 13 TV-L (the German public sector pay scale, commensurate with experience) for a fixed term of 3 years (and equivalent to 65% of a lecturer’s salary, approximately €33-35,000 per annum pro rata before tax)
An intellectually stimulating research environment including membership of the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology and in the Historical Cultures Profile Area
A wide range of internal and external training opportunities
Professional academic supervision
Flexible working hours to enable you to combine work and family life
Administrative support from a student assistant
Various teaching opportunities
Discounted public transport
Your application should include
A letter of motivation, including a statement of your research interests, motivation and expectations
A curriculum vitae, including information on your academic career and degrees, and, if applicable, work experience, publications, grants, awards, language and other relevant skills
A transcript of records of your MA studies
Writing sample (copy of your MA thesis and, if applicable, a published work)
Outline of your individual research project that you intend to carry out as a member of the Junior Research Group “Mnemonic Populism in Contemporary Europe” (up to 1,000 words)
Two names of scholars whom we might contact for recommendation
Application procedure
We are looking forward to receiving your application (identification code: Wiss25057) via our portal (https://uni-bielefeld.hr4you.org/job/view/4122/research-positions-phd-positions?page_lang=en ). Please do not submit original documents, as any documents submitted will be destroyed after the application process has concluded.
For information on the processing of personal data click here
Kontakt
Prof. Dr. Kornelia Kończal
she/her
Assistant Professor of Public History
kornelia.konczal@uni-bielefeld.de
2 Research Positions (PhD positions) “Mnemonic Populism in Contemporary Europe” (Bielefeld Univ.), in: H-Soz-Kult, 01.04.2025, https://www.hsozkult.de/job/id/job-154237.