Research Position (Postdoc)

The Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology has the following job opening:

Kennziffer: Wiss25224

Start: 01.01.2026
Vollzeit
salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
befristet

In 2025, the Chair for Historical Theory at Bielefeld University was selected for funding through the Volkswagen Foundation’s “Momentum” programme. 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 contribute to the conceptual development of the new research field "Material-Oriented Theory of History", assist in shaping the academic programme 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.

Development of an independent academic research project (postdoc) within the specified subject areas and research questions (45%).
Co-design and coordination of the academic programme 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%)

Employment is conducive to scientific qualification.

salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
befristet (limited until 31.12.2029) (§ 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)
Vollzeit

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 24.12. 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, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)

Ihr Profil

Das erwarten wir

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

Das wünschen wir uns

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

We are looking forward to receiving your application with the following details:

cover letter
certificates
curriculum vitae
list of publications
list of university courses taught
a three-page exposé outlining the proposed research project

To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.

Bewerbungsfrist: 28.08.2025

Kontakt
Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni
0521 106-3221
lisa.regazzoni@uni-bielefeld.de

Anschrift
Universität Bielefeld
Fak. f. Geschichtswis., Philosophie u. Theologie
Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld

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