The German Maritime Museum – Leibniz Institute for Maritime History, Bremerhaven, Germany, invites applications for two funded PhD positions under the project “Functioning Democracies at the Water’s Edge”. Starting in January 2027, the four-year doctoral opportunities explore maritime history, museum studies, democracy, migration, labour, and global transformations across harbour cities.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD Candidates / Doctoral Researchers
- Official Reference Number: 20266
- Institution: University of Bremen and German Maritime Museum – Leibniz Institute for Maritime History, Germany
- Department: Maritime History, University of Bremen
- Research Group: Functioning Democracies at the Water’s Edge
- Supervisors: University of Bremen, University of Hamburg, and German Maritime Museum
- Location: Bremerhaven, Germany, with international fieldwork opportunities
- Duration: Four years
- Start Date: January 2027
- Funding: TV-L pay scale 13 (65% position), funded by the Volkswagen Foundation
- Required Degree: Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline
Research Project
The doctoral project “Functioning Democracies at the Water’s Edge” investigates how harbour cities shape political participation, citizenship, and social relations through changing maritime environments. The research examines the relationship between maritime history and contemporary transformations linked to migration, labour, technological innovation, and ecological change. Doctoral researchers will conduct comparative studies of four international port cities: Bremerhaven in Germany, Lüderitz in Namibia, Valparaíso in Chile, and Singapore.
The project offers two PhD positions that explore maritime societies through complementary academic approaches.
PhD Position 1: Maritime History and Museum Studies
This doctoral research focuses on the representation of maritime pasts through museums, archives, and collections. It examines how colonial legacies, working-class experiences, and democratic developments are interpreted through exhibitions, historical sources, and material objects. Research areas include:
- Maritime History
- Museum Studies
- Memory Studies
- Material Culture
- Political History
- Public Representation
PhD Position 2: Maritime Anthropology and Postcolonial Studies
This doctoral research explores the lived experiences of workers, migrants, and community actors within global harbour cities. The study analyses questions of citizenship, social recognition, rights, and participation through interdisciplinary research methods. Research areas include:
- Maritime Anthropology
- Postcolonial Studies
- Ethnographic Research Methods
- Oral History
- Migration Studies
- Labour Studies
Together, the two doctoral projects investigate how port cities operate as spaces of historical memory, social interaction, and democratic transformation. By combining historical analysis and anthropological perspectives, the research highlights the continuing influence of maritime environments on political identities, cultural narratives, and everyday experiences across diverse global contexts.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a discipline connected to the project themes. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to conduct independent doctoral work, an interest in interdisciplinary approaches, and familiarity with qualitative research methods, digital tools, and research software.
The selection committee welcomes applicants with experience or interest in historical, ethnographic, museum-based, or comparative research. Strong communication skills across academic disciplines and experience working in international research environments will be considered advantageous.
Applicants should ideally be proficient in at least two of the following languages: English, German, Spanish, Afrikaans, Indigenous languages, Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil.
Research Responsibilities
The selected candidates for the fully funded PhD positions in Maritime History Germany will contribute to the project through:
- Developing an independent doctoral thesis within the research framework
- Conducting archival work, interviews, and field investigations
- Analysing museum collections and social experiences
- Participating in international academic collaboration
- Contributing to publications and knowledge exchange activities
- Engaging with research partners and public audiences
Funding and Benefits
The positions provide employment under German public-sector conditions with additional workplace benefits.
- Four-year doctoral contract
- Salary according to TV-L pay scale 13 (65%)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Remote working possibilities
- 30 days annual leave based on a five-day working week
- Company pension scheme
- Employee benefits
Application Process
Applicants should submit their application quoting reference number 20266 before the closing date. The documents should demonstrate academic suitability and interest in the proposed doctoral themes.
Required documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic certificates
- Degree transcripts
- Cover letter describing research interests
- Supporting academic documents
Why This Opportunity Matters
This fully funded PhD opportunity in Maritime History in Germany allows candidates to engage with interconnected fields, including Maritime History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, and Democracy Research. The PhD offers valuable experience in international collaboration, cross-disciplinary approaches, and public engagement, enabling researchers to explore relationships between maritime societies, historical narratives, and contemporary social challenges.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: July 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: January 2027
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy information accessed through the Apply Now button and submit their application before the deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Fully Funded PhD Positions Worldwide
- History Research Opportunities
- Museum Studies Academic Programmes
- Anthropology Research Positions
- Humanities Research Fellowships Worldwide
- Academic Jobs in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PhD positions are available at the German Maritime Museum?
Two funded PhD positions are available under the project “Functioning Democracies at the Water’s Edge”.
When does the PhD position start?
The positions begin in January 2027 and run for four years.
What research areas are covered in the project?
The project covers Maritime History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, Migration, Labour, and Democracy Research.
What qualifications are required for these PhD positions?
Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification with an interest in interdisciplinary research.
Which languages are preferred for applicants?
Applicants should ideally be proficient in at least two project languages, including English, German, Spanish, Afrikaans, Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil.
Institutional Overview
The German Maritime Museum – Leibniz Institute for Maritime History (DSM) in Bremerhaven is a leading research institution exploring the history of maritime societies, technologies, and interactions between humans and the sea. The museum integrates historical collections, exhibitions, and scholarly activities to examine maritime developments through cultural and social perspectives. As part of the Leibniz research network, DSM promotes interdisciplinary investigation, knowledge exchange, and public engagement. The institute collaborates with national and international partners to advance understanding of maritime heritage, historical processes, and changing relationships between communities and ocean environments. Through its research and outreach activities, DSM connects academic expertise with wider audiences while preserving and interpreting maritime knowledge.
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