Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Modern History

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Modern History

NEU Vollzeit Forschung und Lehre

The Horizon Europe project BLOCKADE and the Department of History at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Modern History.

This 4-year full-time (100%) postdoctoral 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)".

BLOCKADE explores the two blockades of the First and Second World Wars and their aftermath, analysing the impact on households, states, corporations and the international order, political and military strategy, war preparation, experience and memory, and peace processes. For more information, visit .

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on the work package "Atlantic Blockade and Transatlantic Strains", using newspapers, diplomatic correspondence, diaspora organisation records and parliamentary debates to assess the impact of blockades on communication and mobility across the Atlantic and the debate over neutral rights. The focus is primarily on the United States and at least one South American country (e.g., Argentina) during periods of shared neutrality (1914‑1917; 1939‑1941). The postdoctoral fellow is encouraged to develop their own research approach.

In Freiburg, the postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the PI, Elisabeth Piller.

Your Tasks

• Contribute to the project by carrying out research of high ambition and excellent quality
• Publish at least two articles in leading peer‑reviewed journals
• Publish at least one chapter in the project’s handbook on the history of blockades and help with the coordination and editing of that handbook
• Actively participate in the research and outreach activities of BLOCKADE
• 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
• Help organize BLOCKADE’s (online) research and reading seminars
• Contribute to data collection (qualitative and quantitative primary sources) for the central database located at the University of Amsterdam

Your Profile

• Completed or soon to be conferred a doctoral degree in modern history
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English (≥ level B2)
• Excellent reading skills in the languages of the countries examined in the postdoctoral project (≥ level B2)
• Experience in dealing with archival sources
• Enthusiasm for the project and for team work
• Prior knowledge of the historiography and primary sources related to the World War periods (desirable)
• Publication record in international journals (desirable)

We offer

• 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 close to the cultural delights of Switzerland, France and the Black Forest
• Salary according to the public sector agreements TV‑L E13 (link )
• No teaching obligation associated with the position

Job Details

• Full‑time position (100%) – 4‑year term
• Start date: 1 September 2026
• Closing date: 1 June 2026
• Reference number:
• Salary: TV‑L E13 (subject to statutory calculations)