The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) is a research institute of the Max
Planck Society (MPG) with currently two research departments, several research groups, and a
graduate school. At the MPIWG, around 150 scholars from all over the world investigate the
sciences past and present, working together on a collective, collaborative, and transdisciplinary
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 Free
University Berlin and other research institutions.
Researchers in the Department “Knowledge Systems and Collective Life” use historical and
ethnographic methods to study the relationship between knowledge systems and forms of
collective life in the past and present. We seek to foreground neglected histories, trace cross-
cultural connections, engage with diverse publics, expand the boundaries of the political,
challenge conventional definitions of science and technology, critically reflect on our own
political and ethical commitments, and experiment with new methods and media. Further
information about the department can be found here. The working language of the department is
English.
starting as soon as possible for up to 19 hours per week.
remuneration at the student employee rates of the MPG support for junior scientists and
scholars: currently €17.17 for Master’s students who can demonstrate completion of
their Bachelor’s degree
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.
Please submit your application in English with complete documents, preferably without a
photograph, through our application portal. Include cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of
qualifications (in a single PDF file) and employment references (in a single PDF file).
https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/36470786
Please note that we can only accept electronic applications submitted through the portal.
Applications must be received by August 21, 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Questions about the position or the application process may be addressed to the department’s
research officer, Dr. Kerstin Hinrichsen (khinrichsen@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de).
Further information on the MPIWG can be found at https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/.
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