The Max Weber Foundation (MWS), based in Bonn, along with its research institutes abroad, is one of the leading organizations for German research in the humanities and social sciences. It employs over 350 staff members worldwide and supports numerous scholarship holders.

The Max Weber Network Eastern Europe (MWNO), a decentralized network founded in 2023, currently operates three locations in Tbilisi (Georgia), Vilnius (Lithuania), and Helsinki (Finland) with the goal of further expansion. Through its own research, funding formats, events, and publishing activities, the network offers sustainable research and networking opportunities for historical Eastern European studies and related disciplines at its respective locations. It promotes academic cooperation between Germany and the respective host countries and regions within an international research environment.

Call for Applications

for the position of

Research Associate (m/f/d) for the Max Weber Network Eastern Europe (MWNO) Place of Employment: Tbilisi (Georgia) Start Date: As soon as possible

Ihre Aufgaben/Aufgabengebiet:

You will conduct research on a self-chosen project related to the history of the South Caucasus in a transregional and global context. You will independently organize academic events (conferences, workshops, lectures) in cooperation with MWNO partners, local institutions (universities, research institutes, GLAM), and local scholars. You will support the Head of the Max Weber Office Georgia in regard to the office’s academic publishing activities. This specifically includes the editorial processing of source editions, brochures, and online publications. Participation in the development of the MWNO’s key research areas is desired, particularly regarding the maritime history of the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions and/or the contemporary history of the era of transformation in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

Ihr Profil/Voraussetzungen

You hold a PhD (or are close to completing one) in History or a related discipline, with a focus on the history of the Southern Caucasus and/or neighboring regions. You have a proven research focus (demonstrated by publications) in Early Modern History and/or Modern and Contemporary History. You have experience in archival work, conceptualizing and organizing academic events, science communication, and editorial activities. Your English is business fluent (text and negotiation). Proficiency in at least one additional language from the Max Weber Network’s research area is required. This refers specifically to Georgian, Azerbaijani, and/or Armenian. Knowledge of other relevant source languages (Russian, Ottoman, Persian, Turkish, etc.) is an advantage. You are willing to learn German quickly up to level A2; we will provide funding for pertinent language lessons.

You possess a high degree of diplomatic, social, cultural, and organizational competence, enabling you to coordinate cooperation between academic and non-academic staff and to provide guidance to employees at the individual locations within your area of responsibility.

Unser Angebot

The terms of the employment contract are governed by Georgian law. Remuneration is based on the salary scheme applied by the German Embassy in Tbilisi for locally employed staff. The starting salary is 7109 GEL gross per month.

The Max Weber Foundation is a family-friendly employer that attaches great importance on the compatibility of work and family life. We are committed to equal opportunities for people with disabilities. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications regardless of nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion and worldview, age, or sexual orientation and identity.

The MWS aims to further increase the proportion of women in academic positions and leadership roles and therefore strongly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualification (aptitude, ability, and professional performance), women will be given preferential consideration.

For further information, please contact Dr. Moritz Florin via email ().

Please submit your application to the Director of the Max Weber Network Eastern Europe, Dr. Sandra Dahlke, by February 20th, 2026 – including a CV, list of publications, project description (up to 3 pages), a letter of motivation outlining what you intend to bring to the position, and the names of at least two colleagues who might provide letters of recommendation (which will be solicited directly by the MWNO if your application makes it to the interview round) – as a single PDF file via our application portal: BITE

Interviews are expected to take place in calendar week 9 or 10 of 2026. We reserve the right to conduct interviews via video conference.