Postdoctoral Researcher at KWI, University of Duisburg, Germany

Postdoctoral Position at Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI), University of Duisburg, Germany

About Position/Job

The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) at the University of Duisburg-Essen invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the prestigious ERC Synergy Project “The Cultures of the Cryosphere (CultCryo)”. This exciting interdisciplinary project investigates the cultural, spatial, and historical dimensions of artificial cooling technologies worldwide. The role offers an exceptional chance to engage in innovative research, collaborate internationally, and contribute to public scholarship in a vibrant academic environment.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen
Department: Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI), Essen
Research Field: History, Cultural Studies, Geography, STS
Location: Essen, Germany
Number of Post: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Postdoc
Start Date (Anticipated): As soon as possible
Working Hours: 39 hours 50 minutes per week (100%)
Salary Range: EG 13 TV-L (based on experience and qualifications)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

History of technology
Digital cartography
Cryosphere studies
Cultural geography
Environmental humanities
Cold chain logistics
Climate control infrastructures

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Completed PhD in geography, history, cultural studies, or related disciplines
Expertise in cartography, critical or collaborative mapping
Strong English language skills (C1 or higher)

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with geo-visualisation or digital mapping tools
Demonstrated interest in global technology cultures
Willingness to travel internationally (Asia, Americas, Australia)
Knowledge of German and Spanish or willingness to learn

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent and collaborative research on the spatial dynamics of cooling technologies
Co-develop a digital atlas of artificial cold infrastructure
Integrate findings into a public research archive
Participate in scientific dissemination and publications
Organise academic events and support project communication
Contribute to data management and project administration

Application Process

How to Apply

Submit your application by email in a single PDF file to applications@cryocultures.org, quoting reference number 236-25.
For queries, contact Dr. Stefan Höhne (stefan.hoehne@kwi-nrw.de).