Assistant Professor of International History and Politics – Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Switzerland

Summary

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of International History and Politics (HPI). The position starts on September 1, 2027, or at a mutually agreed date. Candidates must hold a doctorate from a history department or an area studies department training historians by the start of the contract. The role requires candidates to demonstrate strong research and teaching credentials focused on geopolitical history or international security, with special interest in the United States or China. Responsibilities include teaching four postgraduate seminars per academic year and supervising master's theses and doctoral dissertations across interdisciplinary programs. Teaching is conducted in English or French. Candidates should apply online with a cover letter, CV, and list of publications. Shortlisted applicants will later need to provide three letters of recommendation.

Key Facts

Department	International History and Politics (HPI)
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	International History and Politics
Research Area	Geopolitical history and/or international security, Cold War period, or other modern/contemporary periods, with particular interest in the United States and/or the People's Republic of China
Degree Required	Doctorate from a history department or an area studies department that trains historians
Experience	Strong research and teaching background with clear potential for significant contribution to the academic field
Contract Duration	Tenure-track
Language	English or French
Required Documents	Cover letter, CV, List of publications
Employer Address	Geneva, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Cyrus Schayegh, Head of the HPI Department, [email protected]

About the Project

The research focus encompasses geopolitical history and international security across modern or contemporary periods. While broad research interests and geographic specializations are welcome, the department has a specific interest in research concerning the United States and the People's Republic of China.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise MINT and HPI department master's theses and doctoral dissertations

Required Skills

• Strong research and teaching background
• Clear potential for significant contribution to the academic field

Who Should Apply

Historians or area studies specialists with a completed doctorate who focus on geopolitical history or international security, particularly regarding the US or China, and have a strong teaching and research background.

About the Employer

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, located in Geneva, Switzerland, is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a transdisciplinary culture across five academic departments, awarding master's and doctoral degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a doctorate from a history department or an area studies department that trains historians by the start of the contract.

What are the teaching languages?

Instruction is given in English or French. Prior knowledge of French is not strictly required at the start, but passive knowledge of French must be acquired within two years.

What documents are required for the initial application?

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a CV, and a list of publications via the online portal.