Post-doctorate in History (M/F): History of the Earth Sciences in Central Asia and the Caucasus, 1880–2000 (ERC Starting Grant) Université Lumière Lyon 2 in France

Postdoctoral opportunity in history at Université Lumière Lyon 2 within the ERC Starting Grant ENVIROSHIFT – Shifting Perspectives on Environmental Change: A History of the Earth Sciences in Central Asia and the Caucasus, 1880–2000.

The post is hosted by Université Lumière Lyon 2 and the Laboratoire de Recherche Historique Rhône-Alpes (LARHRA, UMR 5190). The project examines how Earth scientists shaped environmental knowledge, resource extraction, and state-building from the late Russian Empire to the end of the Soviet Union. The research team includes the Principal Investigator and three postdoctoral fellows.

The successful candidate will design and carry out an original historical research project within one of three case studies: Soviet Kyrgyzstan (uranium mining, geological expertise, environmental transformation), the Tajik Pamirs (scientific expeditions, geology, resource exploration), or the Caucasus (Georgia and Armenia; seismology, environmental risk, state planning). The role includes archival research in European and, where relevant, Central Asian or Caucasian archives, possible fieldwork, analysis of historical sources, publication writing, conference presentations, workshop organisation, and active participation in team meetings and dissemination activities.

This is a fixed-term, full-time postdoctoral contract for 34 months, with planned start date 1 February 2027. Salary is reported as 28,579 € to 48,208 € gross annually depending on experience. The working pattern is 37 hours per week (100%).

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a PhD in History completed before the starting date (or provide proof that it will be completed before then). The advertisement seeks candidates with research experience on the nineteenth- and/or twentieth-century history of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, or successor states; excellent English; ability to conduct independent archival research using Russian-language sources; prior archival research experience; and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in an international team. French and Russian are noted as useful spoken languages.

Application package: submit a single PDF containing a cover letter naming the fellowship, CV, publication list, PhD diploma or proof of completion, contact details of two academic referees, a 250–300-word project abstract, a 200-word statement explaining how the project contributes to ENVIROSHIFT, and a 200-word statement on archival sources, languages, and research methods. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a 1,500-word proposal before interview.

Deadline: 21 September 2026, 23:59 CET.