HUM-PIPF-2026-01 ERC Funded PhD Researchers in philosophy and German-Jewish intellectual history

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 invites applications for three PhD positions in philosophy and German-Jewish intellectual history. The doctoral researchers will be fully integrated into the project and will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.

A) The first PhD position focuses on gender, language, and identity in German-Jewish thought. The doctoral research will examine Bertha Pappenheim’s translation work as a form of philosophical engagement with feminist and Jewish traditions, analysing translation as an ethical, political, and intellectual practice rather than as a purely technical activity. The project will engage with feminist theory, continental philosophy, and German-Jewish intellectual history, contributing to the project’s work package on gender and translation. The successful candidate is expected to have a strong background in these areas and excellent command of German and English; knowledge of Yiddish is considered an asset.

B) The second PhD position is devoted to the study of translation as a philosophical tool for negotiating identity in German-Jewish intellectual history. The doctoral research will explore how translation shaped concepts of cultural belonging, mediation, and difference within German philosophy and Jewish thought. Situated within the project’s work package on cultural translation and identity, this position requires a solid background in German philosophy, cultural or philosophical approaches to translation, and identity studies. Excellent proficiency in German and English is required.

C) The third PhD position concentrates on the pedagogical and political dimensions of translation among German-Jewish thinkers. The doctoral project will analyse how translation practices informed educational models, political thought, and communal frameworks, with particular attention to transmission, authority, and collective formation. Embedded in the work package on education and political philosophy, the position requires a background in philosophy of education, political philosophy, or related fields, as well as excellent command of German and English.

All PhD candidates are expected to conduct original research, participate actively in project meetings and events, present their work at international conferences, and contribute to joint publications and dissemination activities.

Main Duties

• Conduct original doctoral research aligned with the objectives and work packages of the ERC project, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and in close collaboration with the research team.

• Carry out advanced textual, conceptual, and archival research relevant to the specific PhD profile, including systematic literature review and source analysis.

• Actively participate in project activities, including internal workshops, reading groups, and team meetings.

• Present research results at international conferences, workshops, and project-organised events.

• Contribute to high-quality academic publications, both individual and collective, arising from the project.

• Participate, where applicable, in teaching, training, and knowledge-transfer activities related to the project.

Contract Type: Full time (37.5 Hours per week), fixed term (4 years)
Work Location: Barcelona
Start Date: 01/04/2026

Contract remuneration: approximately €18.269,64 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)

Requirements

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in philosophy, Jewish studies, intellectual history, or a closely related field, awarded by the application deadline.
• Demonstrated academic interest and motivation to pursue doctoral research in the thematic area of the ERC project.
• Strong academic record and clear potential for high-quality independent research.
• Excellent command of the languages specified for the relevant PhD position (German and English required; additional languages considered an asset depending on the profile).