PostDoc in Geography, History, and/or Cultural Studies
The ERC Synergy Grant project The Cultures of the Cryosphere. Infrastructures, Politics and Futures of Artificial Cooling (CultCryo) at The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) / KWI –Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities is seeking to fill a position at the next possible date as a
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d, salaryy group 13 TV-L, 100%, 60 months) in Geography, History, and/or Culture Studies
Start of employment: as soon as possible
Duration of employment: until 2030-08-31
Working time: 39 hours 50min. (100%) (part time is possible)
Application deadline: 2025-06-19
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) with a background in history, cultural studies, georgraphy or STS and expertise in cartography and critical mapping to research the spatial dynamics of cooling techniques and to co-develop a first atlas of the cyrosphere and its historical development. The ideal candidate has a strong interdisciplinary profile with qualifications in history of technology, digital cartography or methods of critical or collaborative mapping as well as a proven record of engaging with concepts and theories of technology and space. The research will primarily concentrate on the spatial and cultural aspects of artificial cooling since the Cold War, including mappings of cold chains for food and biomedicine as well as space cooling and IT infrastructures. Tasks also include integrating findings and analysis into the public project archive and engaging in scientific dissemination and publication. For more info on the position, main tasks and requirements, see the following pdf.
About the project
The ERC Synergy project The Cultures of the Cryosphere. Infrastructures, Politics and Futures of Artificial Cooling (CultCryo) investigates the cultural preconditions and consequences of the use of artificial cold. With a globally networked system of cold storage facilities, nitrogen tanks, cold chains, and air-conditioned spaces, the global use of cooling and freezing technologies enables modern life on both biological and social levels –for example, in the areas of food supply, medicine, air conditioning, and data processing. Despite its far-reaching socio-ecological impacts, the enormously energy-intensive planetary „cryosphere“ has not yet been systematically researched. The interdisciplinary research project consists of several international research groups working in close cooperation. For more information, please visit: www.cryocultures.org
