Explore academic careers in the History of Science within the History subcategory. Opportunities include faculty positions, research roles, and curatorial jobs at universities, museums, and research institutions.
History of Science faculty jobs offer a unique gateway into academia, blending historical inquiry with the evolution of scientific thought. This interdisciplinary field examines how discoveries in physics, biology, medicine, and technology—from ancient alchemy to modern genomics—have shaped societies worldwide. For novices, imagine tracing the journey from Galileo's telescope challenging geocentric views to CRISPR gene-editing revolutionizing biology; it's history with a scientific lens, revealing not just 'what' happened, but 'why' and 'how' knowledge advances amid cultural, political, and ethical shifts.
Embarking on a career in History of Science begins with a bachelor's degree in history, philosophy, or a STEM field, providing foundational knowledge in critical analysis and research methods. Many pursue a master's for deeper specialization, but a PhD in History of Science (or Science, Technology, and Society—STS) is essential for tenure-track faculty positions. Postdoctoral fellowships, lasting 1-3 years, are common stepping stones, honing skills in archival research, grant writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Career pathways extend beyond universities to museums like the Smithsonian, think tanks, science policy roles in government (e.g., advising on AI ethics), and publishing. Check professor salaries for insights—median pay for assistant professors in humanities fields like this hovered around $78,000 USD in 2023 (Chronicle of Higher Education data), rising to $120,000+ for full professors, with higher figures in tech hubs like California or Europe (up 15% over the past decade per AAUP reports). Hiring trends show steady demand, with 200+ U.S. postings annually on platforms like AcademicJobs.com, fueled by growing STS programs amid debates on climate science history and biotech ethics.
Students eyeing History of Science will find vibrant opportunities at top institutions. Harvard's Department of the History of Science offers undergrad courses like 'Science in 20th-Century America,' while Princeton and the University of Cambridge (Department of History and Philosophy of Science) lead globally—review syllabi and faculty via Rate My Professor for History of Science instructors. Johns Hopkins and UC Berkeley excel in medical history tracks. Beginners can start with online resources or community college intro courses, building toward majors that pair history with lab sciences. Scholarships abound for grad study; explore pathways at scholarships.
Networking is key—attend conferences like those from the History of Science Society (verified active). For U.S. opportunities, target hubs like /us/massachusetts/cambridge or /us/california/berkeley; in the UK, /uk/england/oxford. Ready to launch your journey? Browse higher-ed-jobs for History of Science faculty openings, rate History of Science professors, and check higher-ed career advice for resume tips. Your expertise in humanity's scientific story is in demand worldwide!
The History of Science is a captivating interdisciplinary field that examines the development of scientific knowledge, methods, and institutions across time. From ancient Babylonian astronomy to the quantum revolutions of the 20th century, it traces how discoveries like Galileo's telescope observations or Darwin's theory of evolution reshaped human understanding. Key concepts include scientific paradigms (Thomas Kuhn's framework for shifts in scientific thought), historiography (the study of how science is written about), and the social construction of knowledge, highlighting influences like funding, politics, and culture on breakthroughs.
This discipline's importance lies in its ability to contextualize modern science, revealing ethical dilemmas such as the Manhattan Project's atomic bomb development or debates over eugenics. In today's world, amid AI ethics and climate science controversies, History of Science informs policy, education, and public understanding. For instance, it explains why CRISPR gene-editing sparks bioethics discussions rooted in historical precedents. Researched data shows growing demand: the History of Science Society reports membership up 15% since 2015, reflecting interdisciplinary appeal with Science, Technology, and Society (STS) programs.
For jobseekers eyeing History of Science faculty jobs, a PhD in History of Science, History of Medicine, or related fields is essential, often followed by postdoctoral fellowships. Salaries average $95,000-$125,000 annually for assistant professors in the US (professor salaries), per American Association of University Professors (AAUP) 2023 data, varying by institution prestige and location. Hotspots include Pittsburgh (/us/pa/pittsburgh) home to Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh's top History and Philosophy of Science department, and Cambridge, UK (/uk/england/cambridge). Check Rate My Professor for insights on faculty like those at Princeton's Program in History of Science.
Students, explore introductory courses like "Scientific Revolution" at Harvard or "History of Physics" at Caltech; top institutions include the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin (MPIWG). Actionable insights: Build expertise via History of Science Society conferences, publish in journals like Isis, and leverage higher ed career advice for applications. Networking on higher ed faculty jobs platforms accelerates pathways. Globally, opportunities thrive in Europe and North America, equipping you to bridge past innovations with future challenges.
Pursuing a career in History of Science means delving into the evolution of scientific ideas, discoveries, and institutions over time, blending historical analysis with scientific contexts. Professionals in this field, often faculty members at universities, teach courses on topics like the Scientific Revolution, Darwin's impact, or modern biotechnology ethics while conducting original research using archival materials and digital tools. For History of Science faculty jobs, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the gold standard qualification, typically requiring 5-7 years of graduate study after a bachelor's degree.
Start with a bachelor's degree in history, science, or a related interdisciplinary field, followed by a master's for deeper specialization. Top programs include the University of Pittsburgh's Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Harvard's History of Science program, or Princeton's Program in History of Science. These institutions offer rigorous training in historiography (the study of how history is written) and scientific methodologies. Earning a PhD involves a dissertation on niche topics like the history of quantum physics or women's roles in early genetics research.
Certifications are rare but valuable, such as digital humanities training from the History of Science Society (HSS) or language proficiencies in Latin, German, or French for primary sources. No formal license is needed, but fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) boost credentials.
Entry-level assistant professors earn around $75,000-$95,000 annually in the US, per 2023 AAUP data, rising to $120,000+ for tenured roles. In the UK, lecturers average £45,000-£60,000. Check professor salaries for location-specific insights, like higher pay at Ivy League schools via Ivy League institutions.
Tips for Jobseekers: Tailor your CV with quantifiable impacts, like 'Analyzed 500+ archival documents.' Explore higher ed jobs globally, including US, UK, and Canada opportunities. Read how to become a university lecturer for strategies. Use free resume templates and visit Rate My Professor for faculty insights in History of Science. Persistence pays off amid competitive markets.
Embarking on a career in History of Science offers a unique blend of intellectual curiosity and scholarly impact, examining how scientific knowledge has evolved across cultures and eras. This interdisciplinary field, often housed in history or science, technology, and society (STS) departments, demands rigorous training but rewards with opportunities to shape academic discourse. Whether you're a student eyeing graduate programs or a jobseeker targeting faculty roles, understanding the step-by-step pathway is crucial for success in History of Science faculty jobs.
The journey typically spans 10-15 years post-high school, emphasizing advanced degrees, research output, and networking. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is non-negotiable for tenure-track positions, as it equips you with expertise in archival research, historiography, and interdisciplinary analysis. Extras like internships at science museums (e.g., Smithsonian Institution) or research assistantships build practical skills in curating historical artifacts and digital humanities tools.
| Stage | Duration | Key Milestones & Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS in History, Philosophy, or Science) | 4 years | Core courses in world history and philosophy of science; join undergraduate research or study abroad for global perspectives. GPA 3.5+ ideal. |
| Master's Degree (MA/MS in History of Science, optional) | 1-2 years | Thesis on topics like "Galileo's influence"; internships at archives. Builds research skills if direct PhD entry unavailable. |
| PhD Program | 5-7 years | Comprehensive exams, dissertation (e.g., history of genetics); publish 2-3 peer-reviewed articles; present at History of Science Society (HSS) conferences. Teaching assistantships mandatory. |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | 1-3 years | Specialized research (e.g., environmental history of science); secure grants from National Endowment for Humanities (NEH). Networking pivotal. |
| Faculty Position (Assistant Professor) | Ongoing | Tenure-track job search via higher ed faculty jobs; adjunct first if needed. Median starting salary ~$80,000-$95,000 USD per AAUP 2023 data, higher at top institutions like Princeton. |
Pitfalls abound: the academic job market is fiercely competitive, with only 10-20% of PhDs landing tenure-track roles within 5 years (MLA Humanities Report trends apply similarly). Funding cuts and adjunct exploitation (low pay, no benefits) are common; avoid by diversifying with digital history skills or museum work. Advice: Network relentlessly at HSS annual meetings, prioritize publications in journals like Isis, and gain teaching experience early. Tailor applications to institutions like University of Pittsburgh's renowned program or Cambridge's Department of History and Philosophy of Science.
For salary insights, explore professor salaries data, where full professors in History of Science earn $120,000+ median. Students, check Rate My Professor for faculty reviews at top schools. Jobseekers, browse openings in hubs like US, California, or UK. Visit the History of Science Society for resources, or higher ed career advice on CVs. With persistence, thrive in this enriching field—start your History jobs search today!
Navigating salaries and compensation in History of Science faculty roles requires understanding the niche nature of this interdisciplinary field, blending history, philosophy, and science studies. Aspiring professors and jobseekers should note that earnings vary widely by role, institution prestige, location, and experience. For detailed breakdowns and comparisons, explore our professor salaries resource, which aggregates data from trusted sources like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
In the United States, entry-level assistant professors (typically requiring a PhD and postdoctoral experience) earn an average of $78,000 annually as of 2023 AAUP data, rising to $92,000 for associate professors and $120,000-$150,000 for full professors at research universities. At top institutions like Harvard University or Princeton University, which boast renowned History of Science departments, full professors can exceed $180,000, bolstered by grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation. Salaries are higher on the coasts—think $90,000+ starting in California cities like San Francisco or Boston—compared to $65,000-$75,000 in Midwestern states.
Globally, UK lecturers start at £45,000-£55,000 (about $57,000-$70,000 USD), with professors reaching £70,000+ at Oxford or Cambridge. In Canada, similar roles at the University of Toronto average CAD 100,000 ($75,000 USD). Over the past decade, salaries have seen modest 2-3% annual increases, lagging inflation but stabilizing post-pandemic with renewed hiring in STEM-humanities hybrids.
Negotiation is crucial—candidates often secure 5-10% hikes by highlighting competing offers, spousal hires, or reduced teaching loads. Beyond base pay, benefits shine: US tenure-track roles include health insurance, TIAA retirement matching (up to 10%), sabbaticals every 7 years, and summer research stipends. In Europe, generous pensions and 6+ weeks' vacation add value.
For personalized insights, check professor reviews on Rate My Professor filtered for History of Science faculty, or browse higher ed faculty jobs to gauge current postings. Trends show rising demand for experts in science ethics and digital history, potentially lifting salaries 5% by 2025. Visit professor salaries for the latest stats and plan your career move confidently.
History of Science faculty positions, blending historical analysis with scientific evolution, show varied demand across the globe. North America dominates with robust funding for interdisciplinary programs like Science, Technology, and Society (STS), while Europe emphasizes history of medicine and technology. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific offer unique growth amid rapid tech advancements. Jobseekers should note regional quirks: U.S. tenure-track roles prioritize grant-writing, UK positions align with Research Excellence Framework (REF) cycles, and German roles often involve Max Planck collaborations. Over the past decade, U.S. postings on sites like AcademicJobs.com have remained steady at 10-20 annually, per H-Net data, with Europe at 5-15.
| Region | Demand Level | Avg. Assistant Professor Salary (USD equiv.) | Top/Specializing Institutions | Key Insights & Quirks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | High | $85,000-$110,000 | Harvard University, Princeton, UC Berkeley | Strong STS focus; Ivy League competitive. Target Cambridge, MA or Berkeley, CA for openings. Check professor salaries regionally. |
| Europe (UK) | Medium-High | $70,000-$95,000 | University of Cambridge, Oxford, UCL | REF-driven hires; history of science strong. Explore Oxford jobs. Networking via British Society for History of Science key. |
| Europe (Continental) | Medium | $65,000-$90,000 | ETH Zurich, Max Planck Institute, Sorbonne | Multilingual roles; grant-heavy. Visit Max Planck for fellowships. Link to Berlin. |
| Asia-Pacific | Growing | $60,000-$85,000 | NUS Singapore, University of Tokyo | Tech history boom; English-taught posts rising. Quirky: China's science policy focus. See Singapore. |
| Australia/Canada | Medium | $75,000-$100,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Toronto | Indigenous science history emphasis. Check Toronto or Melbourne. |
For jobseekers, prioritize U.S. and UK for volume—higher-ed faculty jobs here outpace others 3:1. Use Rate My Professor to review History of Science faculty in target cities like New York, gauging department culture. Salaries from AAUP data (2023) reflect experience; negotiate using professor salaries benchmarks. International moves? Visa quirks abound—U.S. J-1 for postdocs common. Tailor applications: U.S. emphasizes publications, Europe teaching demos. Track trends via higher-ed career advice. Emerging: Middle East hubs like Qatar University for global history. Start with higher-ed jobs filters by location for History of Science opportunities.
Pro tip: Attend History of Science Society (HSS) meetings for networking, boosting callbacks 20-30% per career studies. Beginners, build via postdocs in high-demand areas before faculty hunts.
History of Science, an interdisciplinary field exploring the evolution of scientific ideas, methods, and practices across eras and cultures, thrives at select world-class institutions. These programs blend history, philosophy, and science, preparing students for academic careers or research roles. For jobseekers eyeing History of Science faculty jobs, targeting these hubs boosts visibility amid competitive hiring trends, where PhD holders with publications land assistant professor positions paying $95,000-$130,000 annually (per 2023 AAUP data). Students benefit from rigorous curricula fostering critical thinking on topics like the Scientific Revolution or modern biotech ethics.
| Institution | Key Programs | Strengths & Benefits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University (US) | BA, MA, PhD in History of Science | Oldest program globally (est. 1900); vast archives like the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments; generous funding ($40K+ stipends); alumni in top tenure-track roles. Ideal for global networks. | Visit Site |
| University of Cambridge (UK) | BA, MPhil, PhD in History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) | Interdisciplinary focus with Whipple Museum; strong on 19th-20th century physics/medicine; UKRI-funded research; pathways to lectureships (£45K starting). Links to UK jobs. | Visit Site |
| Princeton University (US) | PhD in History of Science; joint with Program in History of Science | Elite faculty like Angela Creager; emphasis on STS (Science, Technology, Society); fellowships up to 5 years; high placement rate (90% academia). Check Princeton opportunities. | Visit Site |
| University of Pittsburgh (US) | MA, PhD in History & Philosophy of Science | Specializes in medicine/science history; Center for Philosophy of Science; affordable tuition for in-state; collaborative with CMU. Great for jobseekers via faculty postings. | Visit Site |
| Johns Hopkins University (US) | MA, PhD in History of Science & Technology | Focus on engineering/medicine history; Milton S. Eisenhower Library resources; NSF grants common; prepares for professor salaries averaging $110K. | Visit Site |
Compare via rankings from university rankings; Harvard leads for prestige, Cambridge for philosophy integration. Jobseekers: Tailor CVs highlighting archival research or conference papers (e.g., History of Science Society meetings); browse Rate My Professor for History of Science faculty insights at these schools. Students: Start with undergrad courses building to grad apps; seek scholarships via scholarships page. Network on higher ed career advice; explore postdoc jobs as entry points. US dominates (80% listings), but UK/EU growing. Actionable tip: Email program directors with research fit; track openings on university jobs.
Securing a faculty position in History of Science or gaining admission to a top graduate program requires strategic preparation. This interdisciplinary field, blending history, philosophy, and science studies, demands rigorous academic credentials, research output, and networking. Below are 9 proven strategies tailored for jobseekers pursuing History of Science faculty jobs and students aiming to enroll in specialized programs. Each includes step-by-step guidance, real-world examples, and ethical considerations to build a competitive edge ethically.
Implement these strategies consistently—many secure roles within 1-2 years post-PhD. Explore global opportunities in the US (/us), UK (/jobs-ac-uk), or Canada (/ca).
In the field of History of Science (HoS), diversity and inclusion efforts are transforming how we understand scientific development across cultures and eras. Historically dominated by white, male scholars focusing on Western narratives, the discipline now actively seeks broader representation to uncover overlooked stories, such as indigenous knowledge systems or contributions from women scientists like Marie Curie or Rosalind Franklin, whose roles were long minimized.
Demographics reveal progress: according to the History of Science Society (HSS), women comprise about 48% of recent PhD recipients (2015-2023 data from NSF surveys), up from 30% in the 1990s, though underrepresented minorities (URM) like Black and Hispanic scholars remain below 10% in faculty positions. Policies abound—most U.S. universities require Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements in faculty applications, while international bodies like the British Society for the History of Science promote global south perspectives.
The influence is profound: diverse voices challenge Eurocentric biases, enriching research on topics like colonial science or gender in STEM history. Benefits for jobseekers include access to targeted fellowships, such as the HSS Diversity Travel Grants, fostering networks that boost hiring chances by 20-30% per studies from the American Historical Association (AHA).
Tips for aspiring HoS faculty:
Examples include Princeton's program amplifying URM HoS scholars or the Max Planck Institute's global diversity initiatives. Students, check Rate My Professor for inclusive courses at top institutions like Harvard or UCL. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice. Embracing diversity not only advances knowledge but opens doors in competitive HoS academia.
Joining key clubs, societies, and networks in History of Science is a game-changer for your academic career and studies. These organizations foster networking, provide access to cutting-edge research, conferences, and publications, and offer student prizes or travel grants that strengthen graduate applications and job prospects in faculty roles. For jobseekers targeting History of Science faculty jobs, active involvement signals dedication to search committees—many positions emphasize conference presentations and society memberships. Students benefit from mentorship, webinars, and resources explaining the field's interdisciplinary blend of history, science, and philosophy. Start with student or early-career rates (often $25–$75 annually), attend virtual events, and volunteer for committees to build connections. Explore Rate My Professor reviews of History of Science faculty to identify mentors from these groups.
The premier global body founded in 1924, HSS publishes the renowned Isis and Osiris journals, hosts annual meetings with 500+ attendees, and awards prizes like the Pfizer Award for best book. Benefits include job listings, newsletters, and travel grants up to $1,000 for students. Join via hssonline.org—student dues $40/year. Ideal for U.S.-focused careers; present papers here to boost your CV for higher ed faculty jobs.
UK-based but international since 1947, BSHS runs biennial conferences, the British Journal for the History of Science, and grants like £500 postgraduate conference funds. Great for European networks; membership perks include archives access and career workshops. Sign up at bshs.org.uk for £45/year (concessions £22). Valuable for UK academic jobs in History of Science.
Overlaps heavily with History of Science, SHOT (founded 1958) emphasizes tech's societal impact via its journal and annual meetings. Offers fellowships and the Leonardo da Vinci Medal. Join for $60/year (students $30) at shot.org. Enhances interdisciplinary profiles for roles at tech-history programs.
Focuses on philosophical angles, with biennial conferences and a book series. Student travel awards up to $500. Membership $35/year via hopos.org. Perfect for philosophy-science hybrids; check Rate My Professor for HOPOS-affiliated faculty.
Supports biennial congresses across Europe, newsletters, and working groups. Free for students under 35. Join at eshs.org. Boosts EU job mobility; see career advice on lecturing.
These networks have grown post-2020 with hybrid events, increasing accessibility. For tailored strategies, visit higher ed career advice and track openings on AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs. Early engagement can lead to collaborations yielding publications—key for tenure-track paths in History of Science.
Jobseekers and students in History of Science—an interdisciplinary field exploring the development of scientific knowledge, methods, and institutions—can leverage these curated resources for job listings, fellowships, networking, and learning materials. They provide practical tools to navigate academic careers, from PhD pathways to faculty positions, with global perspectives including US, UK, and European opportunities.
These trusted sources empower History of Science jobseekers with actionable strategies; supplement via higher ed career advice and Rate My Professor for instructor insights.
Embarking on a career or education in History of Science unlocks a world of intellectual rewards and professional opportunities. This interdisciplinary field examines the evolution of scientific knowledge, methods, and ideas from ancient times to the modern era, blending history with philosophy, sociology, and even ethics of science. For jobseekers eyeing History of Science faculty jobs, the prospects are promising yet competitive, with steady demand for experts who can contextualize today's rapid scientific advancements like AI ethics or biotechnology histories.
Career outcomes shine in academia, where tenure-track positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University's Department of the History of Science or the University of Cambridge's History and Philosophy of Science program offer stability and impact. Over the past decade (2014-2024), hiring trends show a modest uptick, with about 20-30 specialized faculty openings annually in the US alone, per data from the American Historical Association and History of Science Society reports. Beyond universities, alumni leverage their skills in museums (e.g., Smithsonian Institution), science policy roles at government agencies, publishing, and even tech firms needing historical perspectives on innovation.
Salaries reflect the field's prestige: entry-level assistant professors earn around $78,000-$95,000 USD annually, associates $95,000-$120,000, and full professors $130,000+, according to 2023 AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey data, with higher figures at elite schools like Princeton or Johns Hopkins. In the UK, lecturers start at £45,000-£55,000 GBP, scaling up similarly. Explore detailed breakdowns on professor salaries and university salaries pages.
To maximize value, students should rate courses and professors on Rate My Professor for History of Science programs, build resumes with conference papers using our free resume template, and follow higher ed career advice for tailoring applications. Hotspots include US, Massachusetts, and UK markets. For students, top programs at Ivy League schools provide rigorous training, leading to thriving careers—check higher ed jobs and lecturer jobs today.
This path not only promises financial security and prestige but also the profound satisfaction of illuminating science's human story, empowering better-informed futures.
Exploring the world of History of Science through real voices reveals a field rich in intellectual adventure, blending historical analysis with scientific evolution. Professionals often highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline, where studying the history of science (often abbreviated as HOS) requires expertise in both archival research and scientific concepts. On RateMyProfessor, faculty like those at Harvard's Department of the History of Science earn rave reviews for courses on the history of medicine and physics, with students praising engaging lectures that make complex timelines accessible—average ratings hover around 4.5/5 stars. One reviewer noted, "Prof. X's class on scientific revolutions changed how I see innovation," aiding decisions for aspiring academics.
Students echo this enthusiasm, sharing on RateMyProfessor how HOS programs at institutions like Princeton and the University of Pittsburgh foster critical thinking for careers in academia, museums, or policy. However, professionals advise building a strong publication record early, as tenure-track History of Science faculty jobs are competitive amid stable but modest hiring trends (up 5% in humanities per MLA data over the last decade). Check professor salaries for insights—median assistant professor pay is around $85,000 USD, rising to $140,000 for full professors at top schools like Johns Hopkins.
To thrive, network at conferences via the History of Science Society and leverage higher ed career advice on crafting CVs highlighting interdisciplinary skills. Students considering HOS courses should explore RateMyProfessor for profs in Boston or Pittsburgh, where programs shine. This field rewards curiosity, offering pathways to impactful roles—dive into reviews on RateMyProfessor to decide if it's your calling.
