The VolkswagenStiftung funded research project “Towards Illiberal Constitutionalism in East Central Europe: Historical Analysis in Comparative and Transnational Perspectives” at the Leibniz Center for Contemporary History (ZZF) Potsdam is seeking to fill
One Postdoc Position
to start on or after 1 May 2025. The positions is advertised for a fixed term of one year. The salary is calculated equivalent to a 100% position according to the Collective Agreement on Employees of the German States (TV-L) E 13.
Your duties:
In cooperation with partners in Jena, Prague, Warsaw and Budapest, this research project investigates the rise of illiberal concepts and practices in Central and Eastern Europe from the ambiguities of the liberal order. It aims to demonstrate why and how this experience is relevant to the current populist challenge to the constitutional foundations of liberal democracy in Europe and around the world. With the support of a “Challenges for Europe” grant from the VolkswagenStiftung, we trace the normalization of ‘illiberal democracy’ as everyday politics in Europe, our project speaks to the shape of European constitutional democracy. With researchers focusing on the examples of Hungary and Poland where illiberal constitutionalism is at its zenith, as well as Czechia and Eastern Germany where it has remained a potent threat, this project reveals the extent to which illiberal democracy is a challenge for liberal constitutional democracy within the borders of post-communist Europe and beyond.
Successful candidates will develop a original research project on the history of illiberal and authoritarian movements and parties in contemporary European history that will contribute to the research agenda of the research group. Projects focussed on transnational intersections of illiberal and far-right movements are particularly encouraged. One of the main duties of the position is also to organize and coordinate an Expert Forum on illiberal constitutionalism in contemporary Germany that will bring together practitioners and other subject experts with researchers. There will also be regular collaborative meetings with project partners at the Institute for Contemporary History of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, the Institute of Sociology at the University of Warsaw, the Imre Kertész Kolleg at Universität Jena, and the Department of Legal Studies at Central European University.
The project is led by Dr. Ned Richardson-Little and is part of the ZZF's Department V “Globalizations in a Divided World.”
You will have:
• A PhD in the modern or contemporary history of Germany
• Excellent knowledge of English and German. Knowledge of French or another relevant foreign language for the research project is a plus
• Research experience in the history of the far-right and illiberalism in Germany and Europe more widely
• Research experience in transnational methods and practices
• Professional experience with international research projects
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
• The ability to work independently
• Experience in organizing academic events
• Ability to travel internationally for research group meetings
The ZZF is a research institute specializing in German and European contemporary history. We offer a motivating and friendly working atmosphere, as well as flexible working hours. We place great importance on developing academic skills and helping students to gain additional qualifications. As a doctoral candidate, you will be part of the research activities and discussions in Department V, “Globalizations in a Divided World,” and work alongside a number of researchers who explore different approaches to the history of our global present.
Applications from women are explicitly welcomed. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given priority if, in all other respects, their suitability, aptitude and academic track record are essentially deemed equal to those of other candidates. Please send your full application in English or German, including the following documents, by March 3, 2025 by email to bewerbung [at] zzf-potsdam [dot] de, with “WM 06-2025” in the subject line. Applications can only be accepted as a single PDF file.
Application documents:
- cover letter
- CV including publications
- 1–2 page project description in which you outline your ideas for the research project and its contribution to the relevant literature
- Copies of degrees
We plan to hold interviews on March 12, 2025.
According to laws governing the reimbursement of travel in Brandenburg, travel costs for interviews cannot be reimbursed. Zoom interviews for candidates outside of reasonable travel distance can be arranged.
Inquiries about the position are welcome; please direct them to Dr. Ned Richardson-Little at richardson-little [at] zzf-potsdam [dot] de
During the application procedure, we will store and process the data that you send us. You can object to this at any time by emailing bewerbung [at] zzf-potsdam [dot] de. Our Privacy Notice at https://zzf-potsdam.de/en/privacy-notice provides comprehensive information on how your personal data is collected, processed and used.