Doctoral Researcher in Modern History

Organisation/Company Universität Freiburg, Historisches Seminar Department Department of History Research Field History » Modern history Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Final date to receive applications 17 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Offer Starting Date 1 May 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Reference Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The Horizon Europe project BLOCKADE and the Department of History at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg are looking for

a Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Modern History

The 4-year (65%) 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)”.

The position is scheduled to start on or around 1 May 2026.

The project
BLOCKADE (ERC Synergy Grant #) explores the two blockades of the First and Second World Wars, and their aftermaths. In these total wars, the Allies imposed a global blockade on their enemies, and the Central and Axis powers responded with blockades of their own. Over a period of six years, the BLOCKADE team, based in Trondheim, Hamburg, Amsterdam and Freiburg, will analyse the impact of blockades on households, states, corporations and the international order;

on the development of political and military strategy; on how the wars were prepared, experienced and remembered; and on how peace was made. BLOCKADE sets out to prove that these blockades are crucial to understanding not only the way the world wars were fought but also their globality and totality, their immediate effects and their long-term global repercussions. More information can be found on the project website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..eu

The position
In Freiburg, the doctoral researcher will be supervised by and work closely with the PI of the Freiburg team, Elisabeth Piller.

• Contribute to the project by carrying out research of high ambition and excellent quality
• Research, write and submit a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
• Present intermediate research results at workshops and conferences;
• Contribute to scientific and financial reporting to the funding body
• Actively participate in the project’s workshops, seminars and conferences as well as in organizing and hosting Freiburg-based events.
• Contribute to data collection (qualitative and quantitative primary souces) for the central database located at the University of Amsterdam

• 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 (Germany, Austria) 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

• 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 ( ) at 65%.
  There is no teaching obligation associated with the position

• 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)

If you have questions, please contact Jun.

-Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Piller via the above email address.

E-mail elisabeth.pille

Research Field History Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Languages GERMAN Level Excellent

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of History University of Freiburg Country Germany City Freiburg Geofield