"Postdoctoral Researcher in History of Culture and Technology (f/m/d)"

The KWI – Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities in Essen at University Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in History of Culture and Technology (f/m/d) for 100% TV-L E13, fixed term until 9/2030, starting as soon as possible.

The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen is an interdisciplinary research institute for the humanities and social sciences.

Our project: The ERC Synergy project “The Cultures of the Cryosphere. Infrastructures, Politics and Futures of Artificial Cooling” (CultCryo) investigates the historical preconditions and consequences of artificial cold. For more information, visit: www.cryocultures.org.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) with expertise in modern and/or contemporary history of technology to study the historical dynamics and spatial features of the planetary cryosphere.

Your main tasks:

• Individual and collaborative research and publication work within the ERC project.
• Co-developing and co-editing a digital atlas of cooling technologies.
• Undertaking research trips.
• Academic event organization and communication.
• Contributing to project administration.

Your profile:

• Completed PhD in history, media studies, STS or relevant fields.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research on technology and cultural practices.
• Demonstrable interest in digital cartography.
• Very good English skills (C1 or higher); knowledge of German and Spanish desirable.
• Willingness to cooperate with international teams.

We offer:

• Participation in a high-ranked international research project.
• A varied, multifaceted work environment.
• Flexible working hours and partial remote work.
• Family-friendly environment and development opportunities.

Start of employment: as soon as possible. Duration: until 2030-08-31. Working time: 39 hours 50 minutes (100%, part time possible). Application deadline: 2025-11-17. Reference number: 522-25.

Application: Submit a cover letter (2–3 pages), CV, writing sample, and certificates in a single PDF to applications@cryocultures.org. For questions, contact Dr. Stefan Höhne at stefan.hoehne@kwi-nrw.de.