MPIWG Postdoctoral Scholar in Department "Artifacts, Action, Knowledge" (Starting February 2026)
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Department/Research Group: Dept. AAK
The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) is an internationally respected research institute of the Max Planck Society (MPG) with three research departments, several research groups, and a graduate school. At the MPIWG, around three hundred scholars from all over the world investigate the sciences past and present, working together on a collective, collaborative, and trans-disciplinary basis. The MPIWG is renowned worldwide as a hub for reflection on the role of the sciences in politics and society. It is located in southwestern Berlin, close to the campus of the Freie Universität Berlin and other research institutions.
Department “Artifacts, Action, Knowledge” led by Dagmar Schäfer, seeks to appoint One Postdoctoral Scholar (m/f/d) – for two years, with employment contract, TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13) – Starting on February 1, 2026
Department “Artifacts, Action, Knowledge” studies the history of knowledge and action considering the changing role of artifacts: texts, objects, and spaces. Our research collectively examines the processes and structures by which people grappled with the materiality of existence. Through the analysis of everyday actions, we interrogate the boundaries and intersections between the inner workings of objects and all domains of life. Together these approaches allow us to pursue inquiries into historical epistemologies of action. For more detailed information, please visit the department website.
Your responsibilities
- Conduct a research project within the “Common Knowledge and Its Sources in the Sinosphere, 14th-20th Centuries” working group.
- Apply your research project as a test case to drive the design and development of the working group's digital infrastructure—databases of relevant sources and digital tools for analyzing visual, textual, and geographical data.
- Co-organize working group activities, such as internal group meetings and international workshops.
- Develop publication and social media strategies in relation to the working group’s research outcomes.
- Engage actively in the research pursuits of the Department and the Institute.
- Present and communicate your research outcomes within the Department and at the Institute.
Your profile
- Hold a Ph.D. degree in History, East Asian Studies, or related disciplines at the commencement of employment.
- Broad knowledge in Digital Humanities and its concepts, latest methods, signature projects, and available tools.
- Proficiency in classical Chinese or in a language relevant to the candidate's region of interest, with English being the primary working language of the Institute.
- The ability to work both independently and in a team of members from different academic backgrounds and career statuses.
- Good communication and organization skills.
What we offer
- working closely with a team of top Digital Humanities specialists;
- flexible working hours; the opportunity to work from home as arranged with your superior; the opportunity to work part-time
- annual year-end bonus; occupational pension (VBL); subsidy for public transportation within Berlin or Germany (“Jobticket”); paid leave on Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Eve (December 31) in addition to regular annual leave
- weekly in-house yoga classes; regular information on occupational health management courses offered by our partner health insurance companies
- access to the wide range of training courses offered by the MPG’s Planck Academy
- close contact with all research and research-support units with the opportunity for direct, personal dialogue
- an international setting with staff and guests from more than forty countries
The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer that strives to foster an inclusive workplace. As an institute of the MPG, the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science supports a working community for all free from discrimination and harassment. We explicitly encourage applications from qualified individuals who belong to groups that are often underrepresented in the workplace due to age, disability, ethnicity, family status, gender, nationality, race, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or religion.
Please follow the links to find out more about the MPIWG’s policies on gender equality and hiring practices for people with disabilities, as well as Germany’s anti-discrimination laws as outlined in the General Equal Treatment Act.
Your application
Please submit your application with complete documents, preferably without a photograph, through our application portal.
https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/31555591
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter;
- Curriculum vitae; including publication list;
- Research prospectus in which you outline your planned contribution to the research theme and questions of the working group and your vision on how digital methodologies can facilitate the studies of common knowledge in East Asia (maximum 1,500 words);
- An English writing sample communicating own research to academics or the general public. Preferably a published piece. Note that this sample should not be written by AI.
- Contact information of two referees.
This position will remain advertised until a suitable candidate is appointed.
Applications will be reviewed by late October and short-listed candidates will be interviewed by early November. Only successful candidates will be notified.
Please note that we can only accept electronic applications submitted through the portal.
Inquiries
For any questions about the position, please contact the working group leader Dr. Shih-Pei Chen (schen@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de) at Department Artifacts, Action, Knowledge. For questions about the application process, contact Dr. Rand El Zein (schaeferoffice@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de).
Address
Max-Planck-Institut für Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Boltzmannstraße 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
