The German Historical Institute (GHI) Washington seeks to hire two full-time Research Fellows in the field of modern and contemporary history, with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026. Deadline to apply is January 11, 2026.

The GHI Washington is part of the Max Weber Foundation – German Humanities Institutes Abroad, one of the leading agencies supporting German research in the humanities and social sciences abroad. The institute conducts research and promotes work in the fields of German/European and Jewish history, American and transatlantic history (North America and Latin America), and the history of migration and mobility. Currently, the institute is establishing a new research focus on “Empires and their Legacies.” In its role as an intermediary between researchers in Germany and North America, the GHI Washington has a broad international academic network.

Primary Tasks and Responsibilities

The advertised positions require active participation in the institute’s overall work. This includes editing the institute’s scholarly publications, organizing academic events, participating in the administration of the institute’s fellowship programs, and cultivating international academic networks.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to have earned a doctoral degree in modern or contemporary history with distinction; they should also be pursuing a new research project that will result in the publication of a Habilitation or an equivalent second book project. Ideally, this project should align with one of the current focal points of research at the GHI Washington. Applications relating to our new research focus “Empires and their Legacies” are particularly welcome.

Applicants should have a very good command of German and English. Experience in the acquisition of third-party funding and in the organization of conferences is an asset.

The GHI as an Employer

Both positions are initially limited to three years (qualification period according to WissZeitVG). 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). Benefits for posted employees will be consistent with those of the Federal Civil Service and will include a foreign allowance (§53 BBesG), a purchasing-power adjustment (§55 BBesG), and a housing subsidy (§54 BBesG) to account for 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 $10,050-10,352 per month, and benefits include (but are not limited to) health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid vacation/sick leave.

The Max Weber Foundation is a family-friendly employer who values work-life balance. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our policies at  at ++gleichstellung@maxweberstiftung.de++. 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.

Application Instructions

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 high school and university diplomas, a description of the research that you plan to undertake at the GHI (2 pages), and the names of two references (written references may be requested). Please compile all your application documents into one PDF and submit the file through our application portal until January 11, 2026.

Should you have questions about the responsibilities associated with the position, please contact Dr. Sarah Beringer.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to Zoom interviews that are provisionally scheduled for early February 2026.

About German Historical Institute (GHI) Washington

As a center for advanced historical research, the German Historical Institute Washington (GHI) has an international reputation that extends far beyond the disciplinary boundaries of history. From its two locations in Washington, DC, and Berkeley, CA, the Institute fosters innovative scholarship and dialogue that connect scholars across continents, disciplines, and generations. As a cultural ambassador, the GHI builds bridges between academic research and the public in Germany, the United States, and beyond.

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