The Department of History at the Faculty of History, Art and Area Studies, Professorship for Early Modern History seeks to fill the following position:

Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d/x)

Job vacancy from 10.06.2026 · Reference number 68/2026

Remuneration

Planned remuneration 13 TV-L

Term

Fixed term of 4 years, in accordance with the duration of the externally funded project

Volume

100 % of a full-time position

Start date

1 October 2026

Part-time employment is not possible for the following operational reasons: the research tasks cannot be divided; synchronisation must take place within the working group and the project results must be delivered within the duration of the externally funded project.

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of Germany’s largest universities and a leader in research and medical training. With around 30,000 students and more than 5000 members of staff across 14 faculties, it is at the heart of the vibrant and outward-looking city of Leipzig. Leipzig University offers an innovative and international working environment as well as an exciting range of career opportunities in research, teaching, knowledge and technology transfer, infrastructure and administration.

The project “Towards a natural-cultural history of the early modern period”, based at the Professorship for Early Modern History, has been awarded funding for four years through the Volkswagen Foundation’s Momentum programme. It furthers the international debate on writing history in the Anthropocene by contributing a (sadly still under-represented) pre-industrial perspective. The project combines innovative research with a targeted transfer of knowledge into teacher training and continuing professional development for teachers.

The role

• The candidate will conceive and pursue an innovative research project on the natural-cultural history of the early modern period, with the intention of further qualification (habilitation / second book).
• They will help strengthen the profile of the Professorship of Early Modern History in the field of natural-cultural history.
• They will serve as deputy director of the project.
• They will contribute to the Professorship’s research, teaching and transfer activities.
• They will teach one course (of 2 semester hours) per semester.

About you

• Academic degree in history or another relevant discipline with a thematic connection to the project topic
• PhD in history, preferably with a specialisation in early modern history
• A relevant research project for further academic qualification (habilitation / second book) in the field of early modern natural-cultural history
• Experience of academic teaching
• Good written and spoken English (B2 level)
• Good written and spoken German (B2 level)
• Solid skills in empirical historical research based on early modern sources, demonstrated through relevant research work
• Openness to interdisciplinary approaches
• Commitment to teamwork and academic exchange.

What we offer you

• A responsible role in the exciting environment of a large university
• Integration into an innovative research project of significant societal relevance
• Working in a friendly, helpful, and high-performing team
• A stimulating environment for disciplinary and interdisciplinary exchange
• Targeted support for academic qualification during the postdoctoral phase
• Flexible working hours and mobile working for a better work-life balance
• Opportunities for further training and professional development as part of a structured staff development programme
• A well-equipped workspace located right next to the library, an inspiring academic environment, and an attractive living environment in Leipzig
• Diverse range of corporate health management
• Remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the states, including annual bonus and company pension plan
• Excellent transport links and the option to purchase a discounted public transport ticket, such as the Deutschlandticket as a commuter pass
• Extensive catering in the cafeterias and cafés of the Leipzig Student Services Association

Leipzig University aims to increase the proportion of women in positions of responsibility and therefore expressly invites qualified women to apply. Severely disabled persons – or persons deemed legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance with this application process, please contact Leipzig University’s disability officers at: .

Have we sparked your interest?

Please send your application with the usual documents - including a synopsis of a relevant research project (habilitation or second book), a list of publications and a list of courses taught qouting reference number 68/2026, to: Prof. Dr. Julia Schmidt-Funke, Professor of Early Modern History by 30 June 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the job posting, please contact Prof. Dr. Julia Schmidt-Funke, Tel.: +49 341 97 - 37101.

https://uni-leipzig.b-ite.careers/jobposting/5322213658076a9bf08ae99035bd09b9cbf9943d