Professor (W3) in Modern History with a Focus on Contemporary History at the University of Hamburg – Germany

Summary

The University of Hamburg, together with the Research Center for Contemporary History (FZH), seeks a W3 professor in Modern History with a focus on Contemporary History. The role is split 50 % between university duties – research, teaching 4.5 hours per week and supervising teacher‑training students – and 50 % as academic director of the FZH. Candidates must have an internationally recognised research record, extensive experience in securing external funding, strong leadership and communication skills, and German language proficiency at C1 level (or attainable within two years). The appointment starts on 1 April 2028, follows the Hamburg W pay scale, and offers onboarding, professional development, health benefits and civil‑service security. The deadline for applications is 5 November 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of History
Position Type	W3 professorship
Discipline	Modern History
Research Area	Contemporary History
Salary	Hamburg W pay scale
Funding	Salary (Hamburg W pay scale)
Language	German (C1)
Deadline	2026-11-05
Required Documents	Cover letter and CV, Publication list and three representative publications, Evidence of teaching experience, Evidence of experience and success in obtaining and conducting externally funded projects, Certificates and supporting documents, Description of teaching and research plans, Teaching evaluations (if available), Additional documentation (talks, posters, organizational roles)
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Monica Rüthers ([email protected]); Prof. Dr. Kirsten Heinsohn ([email protected]); Technical support: [email protected]

About the Project

The position involves conducting high‑quality research in modern and contemporary history, contributing to scholarly knowledge on recent historical developments, and integrating this research into teaching activities at the Department of History. The professor will also lead the Research Center for Contemporary History, shaping its research agenda and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct outstanding research in modern and contemporary history
• Teach 4.5 hours per week, contribute to examinations and teacher‑training students
• Lead the FZH foundation in accordance with its statutes
• Provide academic leadership and contribute to the development of the FZH

Required Skills

• Internationally recognised research record in modern history
• Extensive experience securing external research funding
• Organisational and leadership experience
• Excellent communication skills
• German language proficiency at C1 level

Who Should Apply

Applicants with an internationally recognised record of outstanding research in modern and contemporary history, proven success in obtaining external research funding, strong organisational and leadership experience, excellent communication skills, and German proficiency at C1 level (or the ability to achieve it within two years).

Benefits

• Onboarding support
• Professional development opportunities
• Health benefits
• Support for partners and children
• Potential civil‑service status providing employment and retirement security
• Gender equality, diversity and work‑life balance initiatives

About the Employer

The University of Hamburg, a major German research university, collaborates with the Research Center for Contemporary History (FZH) in a joint appointment. The university emphasizes gender equality, diversity, and work‑life balance, and offers professional development, health benefits, and support for families. The FZH focuses on recent and contemporary historical research and operates under its own statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

5 November 2026.

When does the appointment start?

1 April 2028.

What language proficiency is required?

German proficiency at C1 level (or attainable within two years).

What is the remuneration?

Hamburg W pay scale; a specific annual amount is not stated.

Who are the contact persons for the application?

Prof. Dr. Monica Rüthers ([email protected]) and Prof. Dr. Kirsten Heinsohn ([email protected]); technical support at [email protected].