Overview
Organisation / Company University of Teramo Department Department of Political Science Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No The proposed postdoctoral project will investigate the historical transformation of transatlantic relations and the Atlantic order from the 1970s onward, with particular emphasis on the political, cultural, and ideological dimensions of relations between Europe and the United States. It will examine how processes of European integration, shifts in American foreign policy, and competing conceptions of the West interacted within a broader context shaped by crisis, neoliberal globalization, and institutional change. Particular attention will be paid to the ways in which political discourse, public diplomacy, and historical memory contributed to reshaping perceptions, expectations, and forms of interaction across the Atlantic. The research will address the following three key questions: How did the political, cultural, and ideological foundations of transatlantic relations change from the 1970s to the post-Cold War era? How did European actors and US policymakers redefine the meaning of the Atlantic partnership in response to major geopolitical and socioeconomic transformations? How did narratives, representations, and public diplomacy contribute to shaping cooperation, conflict, and mutual perceptions between Europe and the United States? The project will significantly advance scholarship in contemporary international history, transatlantic history, and the history of European integration. It will introduce innovative theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of political narratives, cultural transfers, and international governance. By fostering a genuinely interdisciplinary dialogue between history, political studies, international relations, and cultural analysis, it will deepen current understandings of the complex dynamics shaping the modern international order. More broadly, the project will make a substantial contribution to addressing pressing scientific and societal challenges by illuminating the historical roots of contemporary transatlantic tensions and Europe’s evolving role in global affairs. What will you carry out
Methodologically, the project will adopt a transnational historical approach, combining multi-archival research with the analysis of political discourse, public diplomacy, institutional sources, and cultural narratives. Depending on the fellow’s project, research may include archival work in European and US repositories, the study of policy documents, media sources, elite debates, and oral history or digital source collections where relevant. The project will be developed within a rigorous and ambitious framework that values historiographical innovation and dialogue across disciplines. The selected fellow will be encouraged to progressively develop an independent research profile within this framework. Supervision and mentoring
Who will supervise you – and why is this strong mentoring? The project will be supervised by
Prof. Alessandra Bitumi, Associate Professor of International History at the Department of Political Science, University of Teramo, an established scholar with strong international experience in transatlantic relations, European integration, and contemporary international history. Prof. Bitumi has an active research profile in the history of Euro-American relations, the Atlantic community, European political narratives, and the international history of the late twentieth century, with specific expertise in transnational history, public diplomacy, and discourse-based approaches to international history. Her academic career includes research and teaching experience in Italy, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, as well as participation in international research networks and conferences. The supervisor provides a stimulating and supportive environment, fostering scientific independence, excellence, and international exposure. The fellow will benefit from close mentoring in proposal development, publication strategy, international networking, and career planning, while being encouraged to shape an original and autonomous research trajectory. Why is UniTE a competitive host institution for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The University of Teramo (UniTE) offers a highly structured and supportive environment for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellows. Selected candidates applying to the MSCA PF 2026 call will benefit from: Full support from the UniTE MSCA Desk throughout the entire pre-award phase; Dedicated proposal training (MSCA PF Master Class); Two-step professional proposal review (sequential reviews before submission). Funded fellows will also benefit from: Full support from the UniTE MSCA Desk for the post-award phase; A tailored welcome and mobility support service (arrival, departure, and administrative procedures). UniTE is strongly committed to Open Science, Gender Equality, research integrity, and high-quality doctoral and postdoctoral training. Ideal candidate
Are you the ideal candidate for this fellowship? We welcome applications from outstanding early-career researchers who: hold a PhD in contemporary history, international history, political history, European studies, or related fields; have a strong research background in the history of transatlantic relations, European integration, US foreign policy, political and cultural history, or international political narratives; demonstrate excellent academic writing skills in English; are motivated to develop an independent and internationally competitive research profile. What you will gain from this MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship
What will you gain from this MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship? Overall, the fellowship will support the fellow’s transition towards a sustainable and competitive research career as an excellent next generation researcher, in line with the objectives of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Excellence develop an excellent and innovative research profile in contemporary international history, transatlantic history, and European studies; produce high-quality scientific outputs in leading international journals and academic outlets; strengthen scientific independence and intellectual leadership. Impact enhance international visibility and reputation within the research community; contribute to the advancement of knowledge and to societal and policy-relevant debates on Europe, the Atlantic order, and the historical roots of current geopolitical transformations; actively engage in dissemination, communication, and open science practices. Employability acquire advanced transferable skills through a tailored training programme; expand professional networks across academia, policy institutions, and international stakeholders; improve long-term career prospects within and beyond academia. How to Apply
How to Apply for the Pre-selection Phase? Before applying, we invite you to check that you meet all eligibility criteria for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 by consulting the official European Portal. If you are eligible and interested in choosing UniTE as your Host Institution, please complete the online pre-selection application form by 31 March at 11:00 am (Rome time). To apply, you will need to submit: your CV; a short project idea; Your application will be assessed by UniTE, and you will receive feedback on the outcome within approximately one week. If selected, you will take part in the UniTE MSCA PF Support Programme, designed to help you prepare a strong and competitive proposal. The programme includes: a proposal writing Masterclass (20 May and 26 May); two proposal review rounds with dedicated feedback. Final step: with UniTE’s full support, you will submit your MSCA PF proposal through the official European Commission portal, guided throughout the process by the UniTE MSCA Desk.
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