10 Apr 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Université Sorbonne Nouvelle- Department
DIRVED- Research Field
History » History of philosophy
Other- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Positions
PhD Positions- Application Deadline
10 Jun 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Country
France- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
35- Offer Starting Date
1 Sep 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Horizon Europe - ERC- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Project Overview
The selected candidate will contribute to the ERC-funded research project “Oecologie. The German
Sources of Ecology” (ERC AdG, 2025–2030), led by Principal Investigator Stefanie Buchenau. The
project seeks to uncover the philosophical dimensions of ecology as introduced by Ernst Haeckel in
his General Morphology (1866), and to assess its broader implications.
Using a cross-disciplinary methodology, the project integrates conceptual history, history of
philosophy and science, aesthetics, and philology. It explores:
1. The emergence of ecological thought in 19th-century European evolutionism
2. Its philosophical sources in the German tradition (e.g., Kant, Humboldt, Goethe)
3. Its complex reception in Germany and beyond
4. Its contemporary relevance for environmental studies and scientific discourse
Project activities include multiple seminars, workshops and conferences, a curated exhibition, a
database, and the development of a project website.
Research Focus
This PhD position explores the use of digital humanities for the history of ideas. The candidate will
work on a corpus of 19th-century German texts, journals, and correspondences, combining
historical and philological methods with digital approaches. During the first year of doctoral
studies, the candidate will have the opportunity to acquire and develop digital research tools.
Research questions may address concept annotation in small corpora, historical linguistics for
conceptual analysis, and the use of digital methods to trace the development of scientific and
philosophical ideas among diverse audiences, including natural philosophers and non-philosophers,
and across different cultural contexts. The project opens new avenues for exploring text corpora,
such as Ernst Haeckel’s primary works contained in the project database, digital correspondences,
as well as related authors and sources. It further entails a methodological investigation into the
value of quantitative approaches for the history of philosophy and intellectual history more
broadly.
The candidate will have the possibility of co-supervision with a specialist in linguistics or digital
humanities, ensuring interdisciplinary guidance and methodological support.
Key Responsibilities
• Cooperation with ERC senior researchers in building the corpus
• Conducting original research on a German corpus relevant to the project and contributing
to the development and testing of digital approaches for intellectual history
• Participating in collective research activities and discussions within the ERC group
• Taking part in the academic life of the project, including seminars, workshops, and
conferences
• Completion of a doctoral dissertation aligned with the research conducted on the digital
corpus
The position does not include mandatory teaching duties, although teaching opportunities,
compatible with doctoral research, may be available from the second year onward.
Where to apply
aurore.franco@sorbonne-nouvelle.fr
Requirements
- Research Field
- Philosophy » Philosophy of science
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- History » History of philosophy
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Cultural studies » European studies
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Literature » European literature
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Language sciences » Linguistics
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
• Very good command of German (B2), French, and English
• Interest in historical text analysis, digital tools, and the circulation of ideas across Europe
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Languages
- GERMAN
- Level
- Good
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Excellent
- Languages
- FRENCH
- Level
- Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
• A stimulating research environment at the Maison de la Recherche of Sorbonne Nouvelle
University, located in central Paris near the Panthéon, within the ERC project Oecologie:
The German Sources of Ecology. The doctoral researcher will join a dynamic
interdisciplinary team of seven members: the Principal Investigator, two postdoctoral
researchers, three doctoral researchers, and one project manager, alongside associated
collaborators.
• A vibrant intellectual setting, including regular seminars, reading groups, workshops, and
collaborative research activities. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to interact
closely with the team, present their research, and receive feedback.
• Close partnerships with a network of institutions and research initiatives in Paris, as well as
international collaborators such as the Ernst-Haeckel-Haus (Jena) and the Berlin-
Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, offering rich opportunities for
international exchange and scholarly collaboration.
Eligibility criteria
Application Documents
• Cover letter explaining research interests and fit with the project (1 page, Times New
Roman, 12-point font)
• CV including academic record
• Research proposal (maximum 4 pages, Times New Roman, 12-point font, including a brief
bibliography)
• PDF of Master’s thesis
• One reference letter (including the referee’s affiliation and contact details), plus the contact
details of a second referee who may be contacted during the selection process.
• Academic transcripts / degree certificates or equivalent
For candidates currently enrolled in a Master’s programme (M2) who have not yet defended their
thesis but will do so before the start of the PhD:
a) An official transcript of records obtained to date
b) A letter from the thesis supervisor indicating the current stage of the thesis and expected defence
date
Additional comments
How to Apply
Submit all materials as a single PDF with the subject line:
“Application_PhD_Oecologie-DH-[Your Name]”
We strongly recommend getting in touch with the team prior to submitting your application in
order to discuss the outline of your project and ensure its complementarity with the team’s
research.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Université Sorbonne Nouvelle
- Country
- France
- City
- Paris
- Postal Code
- 75005
- Street
- 4 rue des Irlandais
- Geofield
Contact
- City
Paris- Website
https://www.sorbonne-nouvelle.fr/projet-europeen-erc-adg-oecologie-the-german-sources-of-ecology-2025-2030--919035.kjsp?RH=1505727285324- Street
4 rue des Irlandais- Postal Code
75005
irina.shilobreeva@sorbonne-nouvelle.fr
STATUS: EXPIRED
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