postdoctoral position (research associate) (m, f, x) – Digitality of Historical Research – | Mainz

Leibniz-Institut für Europäische Geschichte; Mainz; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Germany is offering a full-time postdoctoral position focused on the digitality of historical research, emphasizing the application of digital methods in European history studies. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and strong competencies in historical humanities. The role includes conducting independent research, consulting on digital methodologies, and contributing to an international team. Fluency in English is required, and good knowledge of German is a plus.

Leistungen

Opportunities for professional development

Creative and motivating working environment

Flexible working time arrangements

Qualifikationen

• PhD must be completed prior to starting the position.
• Proven competencies in relevant areas through publications or projects.
• Very good command of English is required.

Aufgaben

• Conduct an individual research project on European history with digital tools.
• Participate in developing the IEG’s research agenda through publications.
• Consult with academic staff on digital tools and methods.

Kenntnisse

Competences in historical humanities or cultural studies

Excellent communication skills

Strong team spirit

Good knowledge of German

Ausbildung

PhD degree in a relevant field

Tools

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Natural Language Processing

(Historical) Network Analysis

Jobbeschreibung

Postdoctoral Position (research associate) (m, f, x) – Digitality of Historical Research

The Leibniz Institute of European History (IEG) in Mainz is a research institute within the Leibniz Association. It conducts and supports research on early modern and contemporary European history and is engaged in furthering the digital humanities.

The IEG with its DH Lab invites applications for a full-time

postdoctoral position (research associate) (m, f, x)

– Digitality of Historical Research –

to start on 1 st of July 2026. In accordance with the German WissZeitVG the contract is fixed-term and limited to a maximum of five years. Salary: German pay grade TV-L EG 13. Job-sharing is possible.

Key responsibilities

• Conducting an individual research project in the field of European history since c. 1500 with a strong emphasis on digital tools and methods. We particularly welcome comparative and cross-border perspectives on the social, religious, cultural, or environmental history of Europe
• Participation in the development of the IEG’s research agenda through publications and research activities
• Consulting academic staff and guests of the IEG on the conception and application of digital tools and methods
• Taking on cross-sectional tasks in the DH Lab team at the interface of historical research and digital technologies
• Participation in the enhancement of digital research infrastructures and in the design of innovative research projects in regional, national, and European networks
• Collaboration in the Mainz Centre for Digitality in the Humanities and Cultural Studies (mainzed) and teaching within the MA programme »Digital Methodology«

Your profile

• PhD degree in a field relevant to the job description (prior to taking up the position)
• competences in the historically working humanities/cultural studies and in informatics/information science (verified e.g. by publications and/or project)
• international research outlook
• excellent communication and organisational skills, a strong team spirit, and a cooperative mindset
• understanding of interdisciplinary research
• very good command of English
• good knowledge of German or willingness to learn German within a reasonable time during the contract period

In addition, we would appreciate the following skills:

• in-depth knowledge (application and reflection) of:
  • Artificial Intelligence or
  • Machine Learning or
  • Natural Language Processing or
  • (Historical) Network Analysis
• Experience in cooperative and interdisciplinary research projects
• Initial teaching experience at university level or other proven teaching experience

We offer

• opportunities for professional development in a renowned research institute
• potential for shaping and expanding your academic profile
• a creative and motivating working environment
• collaboration opportunities in an international team
• further training
• flexible working time arrangements

Applications

Please send your application (including CV, transcripts, list of publications and a project outline of no more than 1000 words) via email to the Leibniz Institute of European History ([e-mail]) by 09.03.2026, stating reference number WMA-DH-2026; all documents should be submitted in a single file (PDF).

The IEG promotes professional equality between women and men and is committed to reconciling work and family life. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Candidates with severe disabilities and appropriate qualifications will be given preferential consideration.

The IEG is strongly committed to non-discriminatory selection practices and encourages applications from individuals who will make our institute even more diverse.