The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin, Research Group “The Sphere: Knowledge System Evolution and the Shared Scientific Identity in Europe” (Dept. I), is offering a position for a Research Fellow beginning as soon as possible and running until December 2022. The position is established within the research network of the Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data (BIFOLD).

About BIFOLD and Project "The Sphere"

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF), BIFOLD aims to conduct research into the scientific foundations of Big Data and Machine Learning, to advance artificial intelligence (AI) application development, and greatly increases the impact upon society, the economy, and science.

The MPIWG project “The Sphere” integrates the BIFOLD Project “Bilder und Konfigurationen in corpora von Universitätstextbüchern” (“Images and Configurations in Corpora of University Textbooks”). In this framework, cosmology textbooks used at European universities between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries are analyzed in order to reconstruct how shared science was transformed during this time. Various analytical approaches towards the structure and layout of texts, images, and diagrams will enable their further analysis. For more detailed information, please see also https://sphaera.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/

The research tasks for the candidate will be centered around data extraction, curation, and visualization.

Requirements

Candidates should hold a Master-level degree, preferably in information science or a related discipline, or from historical disciplines provided they are familiar with programming languages, data structures, and visualization techniques applied to the humanities. In particular, the following skills are required: Knowledge of Python, practical working knowledge of semantic technologies (RDF, RDFS, SPARQL), proficient knowledge of domain specific ontologies (CIDOC-CRM, others), basic or higher knowledge in the frame of Machine Learning.

Further Details

The position is devoted to research and aims to generate results within the project timeline until December 2022, with no teaching and with very minor administrative duties for the Research Group. The position is full time with remuneration based on the TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13, 100%).

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science is an international and interdisciplinary research institute. The working language is English; it is expected that candidates will be able to present their own work and discuss that of others fluently in that language.

The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the proportion of women in those areas in which they are currently underrepresented. We therefore specifically encourage women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more disabled individuals, and applications from disabled people are especially welcome. 

Applying

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a description of the specific research interest in the topics related to the project (750 words maximum), and the contact details of one referee who is willing to provide a reference if the candidate will be shortlisted. 

Candidates are requested to submit, via our online application portal:

https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/positiondetails/17301518

Only electronic submissions via this portal will be accepted. 

Deadline for submissions is February 12, 2021 (23:59 h PST).  

Shortlisted candidates will be informed by February 16, 2021, and interviews will take place on February 22, 2021.

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) seeks to employ a Student Assistant for the Research Group "Experience in the Premodern Sciences of Soul & Body, ca. 800–1650" starting at the earliest possible date.

Duties

The student assistant will principally support project members with their research and the organization of scholarly events. They will also help with editorial work on scholarly texts, and assist in maintaining and updating the group’s website and digital repositories.

Requirements

Applicants must be in at least their second semester of study at a Berlin or Brandenburg university. They must have an excellent command of German and English (C1 or above). The ability to read ancient Greek and/or Latin is considered a strong advantage; the ability to read manuscripts in one of these languages would be an asset. Applicants should bring good working knowledge of modern IT and have the ability to work both independently and in a team.

What We Offer

The employment contract will initially be limited until September 30, 2021, with the possibility of extension. Weekly work hours may be up to 19 hours (negotiable); the hourly rate is calculated according to the Max Planck Society’s program to support junior scholars, 12,00 € for bachelor’s students, 13,95 € for students enrolled in a master’s program who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. The Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply.

Your Application

Please apply by March 31, 2021, here https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/17301515 with a letter of intent, a CV, and a scan of your current Immatrikulations-/Semesterbescheinigung. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

Das Max-Planck-Institut für Wissenschaftsgeschichte (MPIWG) sucht zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt zur Verstärkung des zentralen IT-Teams eine/n Mitarbeiter/in IT Support (m/w/d) (in Vollzeit, zunächst auf zwei Jahre befristet).

Das MPIWG ist eines von mehr als 80 Instituten der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft e.V. und eines der weltweit führenden Forschungszentren für die Wissenschaftsgeschichte. Es bietet exzellente Arbeitsbedingungen für seine Wissenschaftler/innen und fördert nachhaltig die Anwendung digitaler Methoden in den Geisteswissenschaften.

Für die Forschung am Institut werden intensiv computergestützte Tools und Methoden genutzt. Dazu gehören ein komplexes Serversystem (sowohl physisch/dezidiert wie auch VM), eine auf Mac OSX basierte Arbeitsplatzumgebung, zahlreiche digitale Archive und Datenbanken, web-basierte Forschungsprojekte, sowie eine umfangreiche Medientechnik für audio-visuelle Präsentation und Aufzeichnung und vieles mehr.

Für die Verstärkung unserer zentralen IT-Serviceeinheit suchen wir daher eine/n hochqualifizierte/n und motivierte/n Mitarbeiter/in für unseren IT Support, die/der auch Interesse und Bereitschaft zeigt, die IT-Infrastruktur in enger Zusammenarbeit mit den IT-Forschern und Abteilungen unseres Instituts zu unterstützen und weiterzuentwickeln.

Das Aufgabengebiet

• Service und Support von PC-/Apple-Systemen/Linux
• Annahme, Bearbeitung und Dokumentation von 1st und 2nd Level Support Anfragen
  • per Telefon oder Tickettool
  • Fortlaufende Dokumentation der IT-Umgebung
• Einrichtung von Computer-Arbeitsplätzen (Mac), Telefonie und Peripherie (Drucker, Scanner etc.)
  • Installation von Software und Betriebssystem mit Hilfe von Softwareverteilung
  • Konfiguration / Test Betriebssystem, Utilities und Anwendungssoftware
  • Einbindung ins Netzwerk
  • Dokumentation, Inventarisierung
  • Reparaturen
  • Aufbau und Qualitätssicherung der Arbeitsplätze
  • Benutzerverwaltung
• Anwender-Unterstützung (2nd Level Support)
  • Analyse auftretender System- und Anwendungsfehler
  • Wartung von Peripherie wie Drucker, Scanner oder MFP
  • Unterstützung des mobilen Arbeitens der Mitarbeiter (iOS und Android)
  • Eventsupport in unseren Konferenzräumen
  • Support für die Medientechnik (Audio und Video) und Aufzeichnungstechnik
  • Betreuung und Support der Clientsysteme (vornehmlich Mac)
• Unterstützung bei unterschiedlichen IT-Projekten
  • Rollout neuer Betriebssysteme oder Hardware
  • Erweiterung der Infrastruktur in Zusammenarbeit mit dem internen 3rd Level Support
  • Überwachung verschiedener Systeme (Nagios etc.)
  • Mitarbeit an IT-gestützten Systemen für die wissenschaftlichen Anforderungen
  • Standortübergreifende IT Projekte
• Sonstige Sachaufgaben
  • Inventar-Verwaltung
  • Materialverwaltung Verbrauchsmaterial und Ersatzteile
  • Produkt-Evaluationen

Ihr Profil

Sie haben ein Studium der Informatik abgeschlossen oder Sie verfügen über eine vergleichbare Qualifikation, oder Sie haben eine Ausbildung zum Fachinformatiker/ zur Fachinformatikerin (Systemintegration) oder eine gleichwertige Ausbildung erfolgreich abgeschlossen.

Idealerweise haben Sie bereits Berufserfahrung in den genannten Bereichen. Folgende Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten setzen wir voraus:

• Erste Berufserfahrung als Fachinformatiker für Systemintegration / IT-Support
• Erfahrung mit Apple-Hardware und dem dazugehörigen OS
• Erfahrung mit der Arbeit mit Datenbanksystemen: Konzeption, Programmierung, Dokumentation, laufende Pflege und Wartung, Fehlerbehebung
• Kundenorientierung, Teamgeist, sowie Kontaktfreude und Kommunikationstalent
• Organisationsfähigkeit und analytisches Denkvermögen
• Ein kooperativer und verantwortungsbewusster, selbständiger und strukturierter Arbeitsstil
• Flexibles, lösungsorientiertes Denken und verantwortungsbewusstes Arbeiten
• Fachkenntnisse gängiger Medientechniksysteme wären von Vorteil
• hohes Maß an Servicebewusstsein
• Fließende Deutschkenntnisse, sowie gute Englischkenntnisse in Wort und Schrift.

Es erwartet Sie eine abwechslungsreiche und sehr verantwortungsvolle Tätigkeit mit hoher Eigenverantwortung in einem kleinen, jungen und motivierten Team. Wir bieten berufliche Fortbildungsmöglichkeiten in einem dynamischen internationalen Umfeld.

Das Entgelt richtet sich je nach Qualifikation nach dem Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst (TVöD Bund). Daneben werden Sozialleistungen entsprechend den Regelungen für den öffentlichen Dienst gewährt. 


Die Max-Planck-Gesellschaft will den Anteil von Frauen in den Bereichen erhöhen, in denen sie unterrepräsentiert sind. Frauen werden deshalb ausdrücklich aufgefordert, sich zu bewerben. Die Max-Planck-Gesellschaft hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, mehr schwerbehinderte Menschen zu beschäftigen. Bewerbungen Schwerbehinderter sind ausdrücklich erwünscht. Wir legen an unserem Institut großen Wert auf die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie, wir unterstützen unsere Mitarbeiter/innen durch eine familienfreundliche Gestaltung der Arbeitszeit, wir bieten Möglichkeiten für Homeoffice, und wir helfen bei der Suche nach geeigneten Kinderbetreuungsmöglichkeiten und Schulen.

Ihre Bewerbungsunterlagen - Anschreiben, Lebenslauf, Zeugniskopien - reichen Sie bitte auf Deutsch oder Englisch bis zum 28. Februar 2021 (23:59 MEZ) über das folgende Bewerberportal ein: https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/17301517

Bitte beachten Sie, dass nur elektronisch über dieses Portal eingereichte Bewerbungen angenommen werden können. Bewerbungseingänge per Email können wir leider nicht berücksichtigen.

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science Department III (Artifacts, Action, Knowledge), Director: Prof. Dagmar Schäfer, seeks one Postdoctoral Fellow for three years, with employment contract, TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13)

Starting date: 01 September 2021

for the working group Proteins and Fibers: Scaffolding History with Molecular Signatures in Dept. III at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin (MPIWG).

The successful candidate will support collaborative research (50%) and conduct his/her own research project (50%) within the framework of the working group.

Requirements: Applicants are expected to have substantial experience in the History of Science, Technology, or Medicine. Applications that address the histories of multidisciplinary scientific approaches, methods, and techniques such as the ones used in zooarchaeology, proteomics, archaeogenetics, and museum conservation are particularly welcome. Research backgrounds in fiber and material studies, science and technology studies, archaeology, or other relevant fields are advantageous. A PhD degree must be in hand by commencement of employment. Experience in interdisciplinary research and/or international collaborative research and publication projects is welcome.   

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science is an international and interdisciplinary research institute. The working language is English. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to participate in the research activities of the Institute, and Departmental activities and to present their own work.

The Max Planck Society is committed to diversity and inclusion: candidates of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, abilities, and genders are invited to apply; applications from women are especially welcome.

To apply please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (in which candidate indicates interest in Departmental project(s))
• Curriculum vitae, including list of publications
• Research prospectus (maximum 750 words)
• Writing sample (5000-8000 words)
• Names and contact details of at least two referees.

To https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/17301514.

Deadline for submission: February 20, 2021 (23:59 CET).

Please note that only complete electronic submissions uploaded to this link will be accepted. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Applications may be submitted in German, English, or French.

Applications will be reviewed in late February and short-listed candidates will be interviewed by early March 2021. Only successful candidates will be notified.

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Department III (Artifacts, Action, Knowledge), Director: Prof. Dagmar Schäfer, seeks one Postdoctoral Fellow for two years, with employment contract, TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13)

Starting date: September 1, 2021

for the working group Out of Place, Out of Time.

The successful candidate will support collaborative research (50%) and conduct his/her own research project (50%) within the framework of the working group.

Requirements: Applicants should demonstrate a specific interest and experience in studying waste of human or animal bodies. Research that addresses issues about a premodern/modern division and/or East/West/North/South break in the use and conceptualization of waste is advantageous. Applicants with suitable experience in the history of science and technology holding a PhD in a historical field, STS, anthropology, discard studies, or other relevant fields are invited to apply. A PhD degree must be in hand by commencement of employment. Experience in interdisciplinary research and/or international collaborative research and publication projects is welcome.

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science is an international and interdisciplinary research institute. The working language is English. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to participate in the research activities of the Institute, and Departmental activities and to present their own work.

The Max Planck Society is committed to diversity and inclusion: candidates of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, abilities, and genders are invited to apply; applications from women are especially welcome.

To apply please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae, including list of publications
• Research prospectus (maximum 750 words)
• Writing sample
• Names and contact details of at least two referees.

at: https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/17301512.

Deadline for submission: January 29, 2021 (23:59 CET).

Please note that only complete electronic submissions uploaded to this link will be accepted. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Applications may be submitted in German, English, or French.

Applications will be reviewed in late January and short-listed candidates will be interviewed by March 2021. Only successful candidates will be notified.

“First Research Article” Fellowship Program at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin

September 1, 2021–February 28, 2022

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin (MPIWG), Department III Artifacts, Action, Knowledge (Director: Prof. Dagmar Schäfer), is offering two fellowships for outstanding graduate students.

The fellowships are open to graduate students based at Asian, African, or Latin American institutions. Applicants should demonstrate their commitment to a research topic related to the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine, or Science and Technology Studies and a need to work with an international community at the MPIWG in Berlin in order to prepare and publish their first single-authored research paper in the English language. Eligible are students in good standing through the grant period of  February 28, 2022.

Candidates are expected to have already completed the archival research for their thesis and be in a position to devote six months to writing and preparing an article in English for journal publication. Regular meetings will be held to support both the writing process and academic development.

The fellowships will run from September 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022.

Applicants should submit the following materials in English through our online application portal:

1. Official proof of enrollment and good standing in an accredited graduate program from your PhD thesis/or confirmation of your university
2. Brief description of dissertation
3. Curriculum vitae and list of publications
4. Title, abstract, and outline of intended essay (maximum 750 words)
5. English writing sample
6. A letter of recommendation from one supervisor

Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2021 (23:59 CET), and must be uploaded to https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/16384004.

Please note that only electronic submissions uploaded to this link will be accepted. Only successful candidates will be notified.

Descriptions of the research projects of Department III are to be found under https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/dept-three.

Fellowships are endowed with a monthly stipend according to the guidelines of the Max Planck Society. Applications from women are especially welcome. The Max Planck Society is committed to promoting underrepresented groups as well as people with disabilities and encourages them to apply. Finalists may expect a decision by April 23, 2021.