The German Research Council (DFG) funded Emmy Noether Research Group “Cooling the Global South: Technology, Society, and Thermal Regulation in the 20th Century” at the Leibniz Center for Contemporary History (ZZF) Potsdam is seeking to fill 

Two PhD Positions

to start on or after 1 April 2025. The positions are advertised for a fixed term of up to four years. The salary is calculated equivalent to a 65% position according to Collective Agreement on Employees of the German States (TV-L) E 13. 

Your duties:
The Emmy Noether Research Group sets out to investigate the role of cooling technologies and temperature control in processes of globalization and development since 1945. The group seeks to develop a multi-scalar perspective on cooling by examining the varied spaces of cold production and maintenance. Of particular interest are projects that explore transnational exchanges of knowledge, expertise and materials between the decolonizing world and Europe/North America in the second half of the twentieth century. Projects highlighting the environmental and energy demands of cooling, as well as its role in medical and public health infrastructures, are particularly welcome.

Successful candidates will develop a PhD dissertation that explores the history of cooling and understandings of cold in the twentieth century. Dissertation projects will contribute to the research agenda of the Emmy Noether Research Group and should connect with a specific region outside of Europe during the period of decolonization. The project is led by Dr. Carolyn Taratko and is part of the ZZF's Department V “Globalizations in a Divided World.”

You will have:

  • A Master’s degree in modern or contemporary history, science and technology studies (STS), or a related discipline

  • An interest in modern or contemporary history 

  • Excellent knowledge of English, plus another relevant foreign language for the research project. A willingness to learn German would be advantageous.

  • Research experience or interest in a region outside of Europe and North America and willingness to undertake longer research trips 

  • Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team

  • The ability to work independently 

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 (both doctoral and postdoctoral) who explore different approaches to the history of our global present. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the structured Graduate Training Program at the ZZF, which includes a doctoral colloquium, as well as additional training seminars and summer schools.  The doctorate will be awarded from the Freie Universität Berlin.

 

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 February 28, 2025 by email to bewerbung [at] zzf-potsdam [dot] de, with “WM 03 2025” in the subject line. Applications can only be accepted as a single PDF file.

Application documents:

  • cover letter

  • CV noting any publications

  • 1–2 page project description in which you outline your ideas for the dissertation project and its contribution to the relevant literature

  • Copies of degrees and transcripts (for BA and MA)

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. Carolyn Taratko at carolyn [dot] taratko [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 (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.