Doctoral candidate (PhD student) in the field of Contemporary European History

Updated: over 2 years ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 01 Sep 2021

The University of Luxembourg aspires to be one of Europe’s most highly regarded universities with a distinctly international and interdisciplinary character. It fosters the cross-fertilisation of research and teaching, is relevant to its country, is known worldwide for its research and teaching in targeted areas, and is establishing itself as an innovative model for contemporary European Higher Education. The University`s core asset is its well-connected world-class academic staff which will attract the most motivated, talented and creative students and young researchers who will learn to enjoy taking up challenges and develop into visionary thinkers able to shape society.

The Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C2DH) is a research centre for the study, analysis and public dissemination of contemporary history of Luxembourg and Europe with a particular focus on digital methods and tools for doing innovative historical research. It serves as a catalyst for innovative and creative scholarship and new forms of public dissemination and societal engagement with history.


Your Role...

The PhD student will be a member of the C²DH, the world’s largest research centre for digital history. The student will work under the supervision of Prof. Dr Machteld Venken as part of the research project “Transnational popular culture – Europe in the long 1960s” supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) in Germany and the National Research Fund (FNR) in Luxembourg. The aim of the project is to analyse European cultural transfers from a transnational and transregional perspective in the “long” 1960s. The PhD candidate will develop a case study on the national, transregional and transnational history of the Luxembourg City Fun Fair (Schueberfouer or Schobermesse).

Research and write a thesis on the history of the Luxembourg City Fun Fair / Schueberfouer

Conduct thesis research using digital sources, tools and/or methods, oral history and participant observation

Conduct a research visit to Chicago (USA)


What we expect from you…
  • Master’s degree or diploma (Master equivalent) in history, anthropology, cultural studies or sociology
  • Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
  • Excellent command of the following languages: German, French, English
  • Knowledge of Luxembourgish is considered an advantage

We Offer...

A creative and innovative working environment within the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C²DH) with great opportunities for training in new digital research tools and methodologies

An attractive salary

A multilingual, international and interdisciplinary working environment


In Short...
  • Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month - extendable to 48 months, if required
  • Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
  • Employee and student status
  • Location: Belval
  • Job Reference: UOL04273

How to apply...

Applications should be submitted online and include:

  • Covering letter
  • Brief writing sample (maximum 25 pages) demonstrating ability to marshal evidence, apply appropriate analytical methods and present results
  • Curriculum vitae
  • List of publications (if available)
  • Copies of diplomas
  • Two employment references (no recommendation letters are needed)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.


In return you will get…
  • Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
  • A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
  • A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

Further information...

For further information, please contact: [email protected]



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