HUM-INV-INDF-2026-02 ERC Funded Post-doctoral Researchers in in philosophy, German-Jewish studies, and translation theory (2 Positions)

Description

The project Translation as a Philosophical Lens on German-Jewish Thought (PHIL- TRAGEN) reconceptualizes translation as a central philosophical practice shaping German-Jewish intellectual history over two centuries. Rather than limiting attention to biblical translation, it explores translation as a cultural and political border phenomenon - mediating identity, belonging, and community. Special emphasis is placed on the neglected contributions of women translators, framing translation as both intellectual resistance and empowerment by "the minority of a minority". Through an interdisciplinary methodology (philosophy, cultural history, gender studies, archival research), the project develops five work packages: (1) the philosophy of translation in German-Jewish thought, (2) gendered dimensions, (3) translation and identity/assimilation, (4) pedagogical and political roles, and (5) translation under extreme conditions such as Nazi concentration camps. Outputs include scholarly publications, digital databases, educational toolkits, and public exhibitions, with the aim of advancing both philosophical debates and contemporary reflections on identity, memory, and resistance.

The ERC project seeks to appoint two post-doctoral researchers with strong profiles in philosophy, German-Jewish studies, and translation theory.

A) The first post-doctoral position focuses on gender and translation. The post-doctoral researcher will conduct independent research on how gender shaped translation practices, intellectual exchanges, and philosophical production within German-Jewish contexts. The position requires expertise in the philosophy of translation, gender theory, and archival research. The successful candidate will work with multilingual sources,

primarily in German and English, and ideally in additional languages (including also

Yiddish and Hebrew). Familiarity with digital archives, databases, or interactive research outputs is considered an advantage. The post-doc will play a central role in integrating gender perspectives across the project's research activities and outputs.

B) The second post-doctoral position focuses on translation during the Holocaust. The post-doctoral researcher will examine translation as a practice of survival, communication, and identity under conditions of persecution and violence, drawing on archival materials, testimonies, and multilingual sources. A strong background in Holocaust studies, modern Jewish history, or philosophy is required. The successful candidate will work with multilingual sources, primarily in German and English, and

ideally in additional languages (Hebrew, Yiddish and Polish). As with the first post-doctoral position, experience with archival research is essential, and familiarity with digital databases or interactive content development is an asset. This position contributes to the project's ethical, historical, and methodological core.

Both post-doctoral researchers are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to collective outputs, and actively participate in project events and dissemination activities.

Main Duties

• Conduct independent, high-level research aligned with the objectives and specific work packages of the ERC project.

• Develop and pursue an original research agenda within the thematic focus of the assigned post-doctoral position, in close coordination with the Principal Investigator.

• Produce high-quality scholarly outputs, including articles in peer-reviewed international journals and contributions to collective publications arising from the project.

• Engage actively in collaborative research activities, including internal workshops, seminars, and reading groups, and contribute to the intellectual life of the project.

• Participate in the organisation of conferences, workshops, and other project-related academic events.

• Contribute to the dissemination of research results through academic and, where relevant, public-facing channels.

Contract Type: Full time (37.5 Hours per Week), fixed term (5 years), with a probation period of three(3) months, in accordance with apllicable regulations.

Work Location: Barcelona

Start Date: 01/04/2026

Contract remuneration: approximately € 35.769.48 gross annual

Project and institution that finance the contract:

European project ERC Research Project CoG PHIL-TRAGEN: Translation as a Philosophical Lens on German-Jewish Thought

Official number reference: (101230032)

Qualifications

Requirements

• A PhD awarded by the contract start date in philosophy, Jewish studies, intellectual history, or a closely related field.

• For the post-doctoral position focusing on gender and translation: demonstrated expertise in philosophy of translation and gender studies, with a strong research profile in feminist theory, intellectual history, or related fields.

• For the post-doctoral position focusing on translation during the Holocaust: demonstrated expertise in Holocaust studies, modern Jewish history, philosophy, or related disciplines, with a clear research focus on the historical, ethical, or intellectual dimensions of the Holocaust.

• Proven ability to conduct independent, high-quality research, as evidenced by publications and/or advanced research outputs appropriate to career stage.

• Excellent command of German and English for both positions. For the position focused on gender, knowledge of other European languages is desirable, also including Yiddish and Hebrew; for the position focused on the Holocaust, knowledge of Hebrew, Yiddish and/or Polish is desirable.

• Not have been dismissed through disciplinary proceedings from the service of any public administration, nor be disqualified by final judgment for the exercise of public functions. In the case of being a national of another State, not be disqualified or in an equivalent situation, nor have been subject to disciplinary sanction or equivalent that prevents, in their State, access to public employment under the same terms. These participation requirements must be met on the last day of the application submission deadline, must be credibly accredited at any time during the selection process, and must continue to be met on the contract signing date.

Application Instructions

Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications.

• Cover letter outlining research interests, motivation, and relevance to the specific post-doctoral position applied for.

• Up to three representative publications or writing samples.

• Contact details of three academic referees.

• Photocopy of DNI/NIE/Passport

• Copy of the Doctoral degree (PhD)

Deadline for Submitting Applications

The deadline for submitting applications is 40 calendar days from the day following the publication of the call on the Pompeu Fabra University website https://www.upf.edu/web/humanitats/convocatories-obertes

Applications are submitted through the Interfolio Platform , at the address that will be published on the Pompeu Fabra University website when the call is made public.