Academic-Jobs in Deutschland

The Max Weber Foundation (MWS), based in Bonn, along with its research institutes abroad, is one of the leading organizations for German research in the humanities and social sciences. It employs over 350 staff members worldwide and supports numerous scholarship holders.

The Max Weber Network Eastern Europe (MWNO), a decentralized network founded in 2023, currently operates three locations in Tbilisi (Georgia), Vilnius (Lithuania), and Helsinki (Finland) with the goal of further expansion. Through its own research, funding formats, events, and publishing activities, the network offers sustainable research and networking opportunities for historical Eastern European studies and related disciplines at its respective locations. It promotes academic cooperation between Germany and the respective host countries and regions within an international research environment.

for the position of

• You will conduct research on a self-chosen project
• You will prepare a third-party funding application on that project by the end of the 2nd year of employment
• You will prepare academic publications
• You will actively participate in the general activities of the MWNO, such as the organization of academic events and academic networking
• You will support the director in the design and implementation of research projects
• You will take care of MWNO fellows and grantees

The prospective research project should be linked to the key research themes of the MWNO and cover problems of ‘East European’ history in its inter-, transimperial and transnational contexts. A focus on the contemporary history of the period of transformation in the late Soviet Union and newly independent post-Soviet states are particularly welcome as are projects on the history of the Baltic Sea and Black Sea regions.

• hold a PhD (or are close to completing one) in History or a related discipline, with a focus on ‘Eastern European’ history or a neighboring discipline in the humanities and social sciences with a focus on the region(s) covered by the MWNO
• have experience with international academic cooperation
• are fluent or at least highly proficient in German, English and at least one of the languages relevant to the MWNO research. Knowledge of further languages spoken in the regions covered by the MWNO are welcome
• well organized in terms of time management and other planning aspects needed for productive academic activity
• are a team-player and have good interpersonal skills
• are willing to develop your skills needed for digital humanities and to take on organizational tasks within the MWNO team
• Experience in the procurement of third party funding and organization of international academic events are highly welcome

We offer an international working environment in a diverse team. If the applicant meets the respective criteria, the position will be filled for three years in accordance with the regulations of the German WissZeitVG. The place of employment is Helsinki (Finland). Remuneration will be in accordance with TVöD E13 (German Federal Government). If seconded to Helsinki, a foreign allowance and other subsidies consistent with those of the German Federal Civil Service will be paid. Applicants from Finland will be offered a local employment contract consistent with the guidelines of the German Embassy in Helsinki for local employees.

The Max Weber Foundation is a family-friendly employer that attaches great importance on the compatibility of work and family life. We are committed to equal opportunities for people with disabilities. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications regardless of nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion and worldview, age, or sexual orientation and identity.

The MWS aims to further increase the proportion of women in academic positions and leadership roles and therefore strongly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualification (aptitude, ability, and professional performance), women will be given preferential consideration.

For further information, please contact Monika Rolshoven via email (Monika.Rolshoven@mws-osteuropa.org).

Please submit your application to the Director of the Max Weber Network Eastern Europe, Dr. Sandra Dahlke, by February 20th, 2026 – including a CV, list of publications, project description (up to 3 pages), a letter of motivation outlining what you intend to bring to the position, and the names of at least two colleagues who might provide letters of recommendation (which will be solicited directly by the MWNO if your application makes it to the interview round) – as a single PDF file via our application portal.

Interviews are expected to take place in calendar week 9 or 10 of 2026. We reserve the right to conduct interviews via video conference.