Binational Visiting Tandem Program
The German Historical Institute Washington (GHI) and the Institute of European Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (IES), are seeking applications for a Binational Visiting Fellow Tandem for postdoctoral researchers with at least one degree from a German university (German tandem partners) and at least one degree from a North American University (North American tandem partners). The 24-month fellowship program contributes to the research foci on German, European, and global history at the GHI's Pacific Office in Berkeley.
The GHI’s fellowship program promotes cutting-edge research in history and related disciplines and international exchange among scholars. For this purpose, the GHI and IES invite two postdoctoral scholars, one from a German and one from a North American university, to collaborate as a binational research tandem during a 24-month fellowship. The research programs of the GHI's Pacific Office center on German and European, as well as global and transregional history, including global Germany and the Pacific world. The visiting tandem program is designed for postdoctoral historians with an outstanding academic record. For applicants based in Germany, a good working knowledge of English is essential. Tandems can be formed on the basis of shared methodological approaches, shared regional expertise, or linked topics. Applicants may apply individually and be matched by the GHI or apply together with their potential tandem partner. Preference will also be given to candidates doing original research for a new book project.
The visiting fellow tandem program at the GHI's Pacific Office in Berkeley presents an excellent opportunity for scholars to develop their expertise by collaborating closely, to work with additional resources, and to make connections with others in their fields. The successful applicants will be in residence at the GHI's Pacific Office for a 24-month fellowship, starting September 1, 2026. They will be expected to conduct their research and fully participate in the academic life at the GHI's Pacific Office. Further, in collaboration with the GHI’s staff there, they will organize a workshop in their field of expertise at an institution of higher education of their choice on the North American West Coast. Fellows will have access to the UC Berkeley academic and social facilities (library, databases, email address, office space at the IES, etc.) and are offered the opportunity to make use of further resources in the greater Bay Area–including the Magnes Collection, the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, the Archives in Stanford, and the National Archives/Pacific Region in San Bruno–while pursuing their research.
A member institution of the Max Weber Foundation, the German Historical Institute Washington is a distinguished independent research institute that fosters inter- and transdisciplinary research with a transatlantic focus. The GHI's Pacific Office is located at UC Berkeley’s Institute of European Studies. It organizes a series of programs and scholarly events aimed at facilitating cooperation and dialogue among researchers in the humanities and social sciences based in North America and Germany, as well as in Latin America and the Pacific world.
Funding will be provided for a 24-month stay at the GHI's Pacific Office/ UC Berkeley. The monthly stipend ranges from $5,957 to $6,889, depending on the recipient's level of seniority. In addition, fellowship recipients will receive an allowance for their round-trip economy airfare. The GHI regrets that it is unable to provide accommodation for its fellows.
If you have questions concerning the fellowship, please contact Isabel Richter.
Eligibility Requirements
- PhD completed before the start date of the fellowship; German tandem partners should have completed one of their academic degrees at a German university (such as a B.A., an M.A., or a doctorate); North American tandem partners should have completed one of their academic degrees at a Canadian, Mexican, or US University (such as a B.A., an M.A., or a doctorate)
- current affiliation with a North American or European research institution or university
- ability to remain in residence in Berkeley for the duration of the fellowship
Apply
To apply please fill out the online application form by October 15, 2025 October 31, 2025(deadline extended). Please include the following materials in your application (uploaded to the online portals as one pdf):
- a cover letter
- a CV
- a copy of the certificate of your most recently achieved qualification or transcripts
- a research project proposal (2,000 words max)
- a workshop proposal which includes the intended workshop theme and scope as well as the intended host institution (1,000 words max)
While applicants may write in either English or German, we recommend that they use the language in which they are most proficient. We can accept applications in electronic form only.
