Two Research Fellow Positions in Modern and Contemporary History (19th century to the present)

The German Historical Institute (GHI) Washington seeks to hire two full-time Research Fellows in the field of modern and contemporary history (19th century to the present), with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027. The GHI Washington is part of the Max Weber Foundation – German Humanities Institutes Abroad. The institute conducts research in the fields of German, European, and Jewish history, the history of North America and Latin America, and in the history of migration and mobility. Currently, the institute is establishing a new research focus on “Empires and their Legacies.” Information about this new focal point can be found here. In its role as an intermediary between German and North American researchers in the humanities, the GHI Washington is embedded in a broad international academic network. Primary Tasks The position involves pursuing a new research project that will result in the publication of a Habilitation or an equivalent second book project, as well as active participation in the institute’s overall work, including editing the institute’s scholarly publications, organizing academic events, participating in the administration of the GHI fellowship program, and cultivating and maintaining international scholarly networks. Requirements Applicants are expected to have earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in modern or contemporary history or North/Latin American Studies (19th century to the present), and they should also propose a new research project that, ideally, aligns with one of the current focal points of research at the GHI Washington. Applicants should have a very good command of German and English. Experience in the acquisition of third‑party funding and in conference organization is an asset. The GHI Washington as an Employer Both positions are initially limited to three years (qualification period according to WissZeitVG, until December 31, 2029). There is the possibility of an extension. The place of employment is Washington, DC. If the applicant meets the criteria for a posting from Germany and fulfills the advertised position’s requirements, then remuneration will be in accordance with TVöD E13 (German Federal Government). Social benefits for posted employees will be consistent with those of the Federal Civil Service and will include a foreign allowance, a purchasing‑power adjustment, and a housing subsidy to account for the higher cost of living in Washington, DC. American citizens and other applicants with a valid U.S. work permit will be offered a local employment contract in accordance with the German Embassy in Washington, DC. Local employee salaries and benefits are based on Embassy guidelines; the starting salary range for Research Fellows is $10,050-10,663 per month, and benefits include (but are not limited to) health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid vacation/sick leave. As a family‑friendly employer, the Max Weber Foundation values work‑life balance. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our policies at View email address on click.appcast.io. The GHI Washington is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Your application should include a cover letter (which lists your contact information and highlights your most relevant qualifications for the advertised position), a CV, a list of publications, copies of university diplomas, a description of the research that you plan to undertake at the GHI (2‑3 pages), and the names of two references. Please compile all application documents into one PDF and submit the file through our application portal by August 30, 2026. Should you have questions about the responsibilities associated with the position, please contact Dr. Sarah Beringer at View email address on click.appcast.io. Interviews are expected to take place via Zoom in late September 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Historical Association