The University of Bayreuth in Germany is inviting applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at the Chair of African History, funded by the prestigious Gerda Henkel Foundation. This opportunity is open to early-career researchers with strong academic backgrounds in history and related social sciences who are interested in critical, interdisciplinary research on humanitarian governance and knowledge production.
The fellowship will run for 24 months, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028, and offers generous financial support alongside the chance to work within an internationally recognized research network. The successful applicant will be based at the University of Bayreuth under the academic leadership of Prof. Dr. Joël Glasman.
Fellowship Overview
Position: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow – Chair of African History
Host Institution: University of Bayreuth, Germany
Funding Body: Gerda Henkel Foundation
Duration: 24 months (April 2026 – March 2028)
Monthly Stipend: Approximately €2,700, with possible additional family allowance
Academic Network: Humanitarian Studies Network (Universities of Bayreuth, Bochum, and Magdeburg)
This fellowship is ideal for researchers seeking to deepen their expertise in African history, humanitarian studies, and the politics of knowledge within global governance structures.
Research Focus: USAID, Knowledge, and Humanitarian Governance
The postdoctoral research project focuses on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), examining both its historical development and its contemporary role within humanitarian and development systems. A core emphasis of the project is the production, circulation, and contestation of information and disinformation by USAID over time.
This research is particularly timely given reports that USAID was dissolved by the U.S. administration in 2025, raising critical questions about institutional memory, humanitarian knowledge, and the political uses of information. The project seeks to understand how humanitarian agencies shape narratives, influence policy, and manage knowledge in contexts of crisis and global inequality.
The fellow will contribute to a broader interdisciplinary effort that connects African history, humanitarian studies, political analysis, and archival research.
Key Responsibilities
The selected Post-Doctoral Fellow will be expected to:
- Contribute to the historical reconstruction of USAID, with particular attention to its knowledge practices
- Work collaboratively with the Humanitarian Archive Emergency (HAE) at the University of Manchester
- Design, conduct, and archive oral history interviews with relevant stakeholders
- Analyze qualitative data using critical and reflexive methodologies
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed academic journals
- Actively support the work of the German Humanitarian Studies Network
This role offers significant intellectual independence while also encouraging collaboration across institutions and disciplines.
Required Qualifications and Profile
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: An excellent doctoral degree (PhD) in History, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, or a closely related discipline
- Research Interests: Demonstrated interest in humanitarian governance, critical knowledge production, or reflexive social science approaches
- Methodological Skills: Proven experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing qualitative interviews, particularly oral history
- Academic Excellence: Ability to produce high-quality scholarly publications and contribute meaningfully to collaborative research environments
Early-career scholars who are motivated, analytically rigorous, and interested in global humanitarian systems are strongly encouraged to apply.
What the University of Bayreuth Offers
The University of Bayreuth provides an excellent research environment, including:
- State-of-the-art facilities and modern working conditions
- A supportive, international, and interdisciplinary academic team
- Strong institutional commitment to work–life balance and family compatibility
- An inclusive recruitment policy, with priority given to applicants with disabilities, provided qualifications are equal
The university is known for fostering innovative research and supporting scholars at critical stages of their academic careers.
Application Process and Deadline
Application Deadline: 15 February, 2026
Submission Email: Geschichte.Afrikas@uni-bayreuth.de
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file and include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter outlining motivation and suitability for the fellowship
- Research Proposal (2–3 pages) detailing the applicant’s intended contribution to the project
Incomplete applications or late submissions may not be considered.
Visit University of Bayreuth for more insights.
This Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship represents a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge humanitarian and historical research within a strong European academic network, while receiving substantial funding and institutional support. Scholars interested in the intersections of history, power, and humanitarian knowledge production will find this fellowship particularly rewarding.
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