The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG), Berlin,
offers several Postdoctoral Fellowships (residential, 12+ months),
to take place within the period from 1 August 2023 to July 31 2024.
As part of the Max Planck Sabbatical Award Program, we invite scholars to apply for participation in the Working Group “Time Scales: Historicizing Deep Time,” directed by Sabbatical Award Laureate Sophia Roosth (NYU/MPIWG). The working group explores how researchers in the natural and exact sciences (such as earth and planetary sciences, astronomy, climatology, glaciology, hydrology, and cosmology) have conceived of, conceptualized, and delineated deep time. How, for example, do researchers define local and global time periods? What methods, techniques, and material supports assist them in marking, cataloging, and (especially) understanding deep time? Further, how can these histories be brought into conversation with political and sociocultural histories of extractivism and other forms of environmental degradation?
We welcome applications from candidates in every field within history, the history of science and technology, science and technology studies, and the anthropology of science, who conduct research related to these topics. Some preference will be given to research that is multilingual or transregional in scope.
Postdoctoral fellows receive a stipend commensurate with experience for their period of residence, and reimbursement for a return ticket to and from their place of residence.
The successful candidates are expected to take part in the scientific life of the Institute, to advance their own research project, and to actively contribute to the group’s activities during their period of residence.
Candidates are requested to submit:
- a cover letter (indicating your preferred period of residence)
- curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
- a research prospectus on a topic related to the project (1000 words maximum)
- writing sample
- contact information of three scholars who could submit letters of recommendation if requested
Applications must be submitted in English via our online application portal: https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/23330839
Please note that only complete electronic submissions uploaded to this link will be accepted. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Only successful candidates will be notified.
Review of applications will commence from 2 January 2023 and continue until the fellowships are awarded.
The Max Planck Society (MPG) is an equal opportunity employer that strives to foster an inclusive workplace. As an institute of the MPG, we support 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, socio-economic background or religion. Visit these webpages to learn more about MPIWG’s policies toward gender equality and recruitment practices for persons with disabilities as well as Germany’s anti-discrimination laws as outlined in the General Equal Treatment Act.
For research-related questions about the working group, please contact Sophia Roosth (sophia.roosth@nyu.edu); for questions concerning the application process and technical assistance, please contact Tanja Neuendorf (applications@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de).
Address
Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Boltzmannstraße 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany