Research Assistant: Doc 100% or Postdoc 80% 100 %

Bern

Key information

Publication date:14 June 2025
Place of work:Bern

Job summary

Join the Historisches Institut at the University of Bern in 2026! This role offers a vibrant academic environment and opportunities for research.

Tasks

Conduct innovative research in 19th and 20th-century history.
Teach courses in German and supervise student projects.
Support the chair with research, teaching, and administrative tasks.

Skills

Required: MA or PhD in Eastern European history; teaching experience.
Excellent German and at least one Eastern European language.
Strong communication, teamwork, and self-organization skills.

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Historical Institute, Chair for Modern General and Eastern European History
Start of employment: February 1, 2026
At the Historical Institute of the University of Bern, a position for a research assistant (doctoral or postdoctoral position) is to be filled at the Chair for Modern General and Eastern European History (Prof. Dr. Julia Richers) starting February 1, 2026.
After a probationary period of six months, there is the option of an extension up to the maximum employment duration of four years (with MA) or six years (with PhD).

Tasks

The task profile includes independent research and academic qualification in the history of the 19th and 20th centuries (dissertation or habilitation project). The research project should contribute to one of the research focuses of the chair in the field of Eastern European, Central Eastern European, or Southeastern European history (preferably related to the eastern Habsburg monarchy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, or the Soviet Union) and be scientifically innovative. Additional tasks include conducting courses in German (for postdocs 1 course/semester, for doctoral candidates as needed) as well as supervising student work. Finally, the tasks include supporting the chair in research, teaching, and administrative duties, as well as participating in university self-administration.

Requirements

We are looking for a committed young researcher with an above-average university degree (MA/PhD) in Eastern European history and a research focus in the areas mentioned above. Further requirements are:
• Interest in the research focuses and scientific approaches of the chair
• Proven teaching experience and/or willingness for pedagogical further training
• Excellent German language skills and proven knowledge of at least one Eastern European language
• Strong communication and teamwork skills as well as good self-organization
• Presence at the workplace

We offer

Interested?

We look forward to your application with a cover letter, a tabular CV, certificates, publication list, a list of your own courses, and teaching evaluations. We also ask you for a reference letter, a 4-page outline of the current or planned research project (dissertation or habilitation), as well as a writing sample (1 academic article or 1 chapter from the last qualification work). The documents must be submitted in a coherent PDF file.

For professional inquiries regarding the position, please contact: Prof. Dr. Julia Richers, julia.richers@unibe.ch. For administrative questions, please contact: Ms. Andrea Häfeli,
andrea.haefeli@unibe.ch.

Please upload your complete application documents electronically by August 25, 2025, in a coherent PDF file. The interviews are expected to take place on September 26, 2025 (by invitation).