Doctoral Position - East Central European History (f/m/x) Emmy-Noether-Group „Managing Development“

Doctoral Position - East Central European History (f/m/x)

Emmy-Noether-Group „Managing Development“

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.

Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Emmy Noether Group ‘Managing Development’, analyses management knowledge in economic development projects in post-socialist Eastern Europe and the Global South. It aims at connecting the history of management and the history of development, at relating management and planning, and at writing decentralized global histories of knowledge. It seeks to appoint a doctoral researcher to conduct a case study in East Central Europe (preferably Poland). The candidate will collaborate closely with the second doctoral researcher in the group focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and the Principal Investigator, whose research spans both geographical areas.

YOUR TASKS

• Completion of a doctorsl thesis in the field of management and development during the Cold War with a case study in East Central Europe (preferably Poland)
• Conducting archival research in the country of the case study as well as in other relevant archives abroad
• Active participation in research group activities (e.g. reading sessions, regular meetings, jointly organized events and publications)
• Participation in international workshops and conferences
• Writing academic articles
• Organization of workshops
• Providing administrative support to the research group (preparing workshops, maintaining the website and hosting guest scholars etc.)

YOUR PROFILE

• Excellent MA degree in History or: Eastern European Studies, Polish Studies, Social/Cultural Anthropology, Postcolonial Studies, Cultural Studies etc. (provided a relevant part was in History, or the BA was in History)
• Experience in historical research methods and cultural theory
• Experience or a strong interest in the history of knowledge, the history of East Central Europe, the history of management and planning, the history of state socialism, and the history of economic thought
• Very good working knowledge of the language of the case study (Polish or other Eastern Central European language)
• Excellent command of English (German is no prerequisite, but willingness to acquire basic skills will be appreciated)
• Willingness to conduct research abroad
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently

WE OFFER

• Excellent research conditions in a dynamic and innovative team
• Possibility to apply for the Integrated Track’ at the a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 01.01.2026 on a part-time basis (25,89 hours per week). The doctoral position is fully funded. It is limited until 31 December 2027, with potential for extension of another two years (depending on approval of the second project phase by the DFG). If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online at https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de/ with proof of the required qualifications (no photo required) and include a cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability to participate in the research group, as well as a CV, a writing sample (MA thesis or recent term paper), a list of publications (if applicable) and copies of certificates. Please also provide the names of two referees who can be contacted via email or telephone. The reference number is Wiss2507-11. The application deadline is 10.09.2025. Interviews will take place during the week of 29 September to 2 October 2025.

For further inquiries, please contact: Katharina Kreuder-Sonnen katharina.kreuder-sonnen@uni-koeln.de
https://neuere-geschichte.phil-fak.uni-koeln.de/en/managing-development