Postdoctoral Scholar Job at Max Planck Institute (Berlin)

Job Description

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) is an internationally respected 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 Free University of Berlin campus and other research institutions. Department "Artifacts, Action, Knowledge," led by Dagmar Schäfer, seeks to appoint One Postdoctoral Scholar on "Tackling the Digital Gap between Asia and Europe" – for two years, with an employment contract, TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13) – Starting on September 1, 2026.

Job Responsibility

Design and conduct qualitative research on different stakeholders shaping academic knowledge production eco-systems in Europe and Asia in terms of access to research materials in the field of historical studies: policy makers, cultural heritage institutions, private research data providers, students in higher education, and academic researchers
Collect and analyze data on the amount, the level of digitization, and accessibility of research materials (both analogue and digital) in the field of historical studies in Europe and Asia
Produce research outputs, including writing, presenting, and publishing findings
Coordination and project management of the MPIWG EduTrack scientific program, including timeline and workflow development, alignment with administrative guidelines, and progress monitoring
Coordination of collaborative scientific activities with EduTrack partners, ensuring effective communication, joint research planning, and methodological coherence across institutions
Support leadership decisions through planning, preparation, and coordination of activities
Engage actively in the general research pursuits of the MPIWG
Contribute to and participate in departmental and institutional research activities and dialogues

Requirements

Completed PhD in history, the history of science, STS, or a related field, awarded by the start date of the employment
Proven focus on research in digital humanities, databases, and data processing, with a preference for East Asian sources
Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting qualitative research, particularly in engaging with diverse stakeholder groups
Expertise in collecting, processing, and analyzing data on research resources (analog and digital), ideally in the field of historical research
Proven ability to publish scholarly work and present research findings in international contexts
Experience in project management, including the coordination of complex work processes, scheduling, monitoring, and alignment with administrative frameworks
Strong coordination and communication skills in international and cross-institutional collaborations
experience in developing joint research designs and methodological alignment
Proficiency in languages relevant to the project regions
Excellent written and spoken English
Ability to provide organizational and conceptual support for management processes, including the preparation and steering of decision-making processes
Willingness to actively participate in the institute's research activities and to take part in interdisciplinary academic exchange formats

What we offer

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

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