The Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) is offering a PhD position within its interdisciplinary Junior Research Group (JRG), ‘Global Armenia/ns. Entangled Histories of Central and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus’, in connection with the thematic field ‘Violence and Humanitarianism’.
The JRG explores the multifaceted interactions between Armenia, the Armenian diaspora and the societies, cultures, and politics of Central and Eastern Europe. It focuses on the actors, dynamics, and lasting effects of these interactions within local, regional, and international contexts.
The thematic field ‘Violence and Humanitarianism’ examines humanitarian interventions on behalf of Armenians, whether as victims of war, genocide or other catastrophes, such as natural disasters, as well as their proactive role in humanitarian internationalism during the 20th century.
Possible lines of investigation include, but are not limited to:
- emergency relief during the Armenian Genocide (1915–1917) and its aftermath, considering different groups of actors (including missionaries, diplomats and experts) and organisations (such as Near East Relief, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the International Red Cross and the League of Nations);
- other instances of aid, such as the Gyumri/Spitak earthquake (1988) or the more recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and their impact on international humanitarian practices and politics;
- linkages between local sites of aid, transnational aid networks and international organisations;
- the mobilisation of the Armenian diaspora for humanitarian work, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, and its cross-border activities.
Overall, the PhD project is expected to make a significant contribution to our understanding of the historical experiences of violence against Armenians and the humanitarian responses they generated, employing either comparative or transnational and global approaches.
Funding and structure of the PhD training
The PhD position is funded by a monthly stipend of 1,500 EUR, plus an additional 200 EUR for literature and language training per month, for a period of three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The PhD candidate will receive doctoral training at the GWZO in cooperation with Leipzig University. Doctoral students will be fully integrated into the GWZO and its research departments, benefitting from the institute’s networks and infrastructure. They will also participate in the structured doctoral program of the Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS) at Leipzig University.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF document and should include:
- a letter of motivation
- curriculum vitae
- diplomas and language certificates, including the MA-degree in the humanities, cultural studies or social sciences
- an exposé of 5 pages maximum on the proposed study
- and the names of two referees.
The deadline is 24.09.2025.
Please send your application by email to Prof. Dr. Maren Röger at foerderung@leibniz-gwzo.de.
For further information, visit their website or contact the heads of the Junior Research Group.
Dr. Bálint Kovács (GWZO Leipzig /PPCU Budapest) @ balint.kovacs@leibniz-gwzo.de
Dr. Katja Castryck-Naumann (GWZO Leipzig) @ katja.castryck@leibniz-gwzo.de
