The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) is seeking to appoint a Predoctoral Fellow (m/w/d)

The post is tenable as soon as possible (salary: 65% TVöD E13) for a period of three years with a possible extension of up to one year.

The newly appointed Predoctoral Fellow will work within the Max Planck Research Group Practices of Validation in the Biomedical Sciences. The research group examines how evaluative categories and methods of validation have been translated and transmuted across scientific approaches to studying health and disease, from the late nineteenth to the early twenty-first century. For further information on the research group see here.

The position will be based at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science. The conferral of the doctorate can take place at the Technische Universität Berlin.

Position Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated doctoral candidate to join us.

You will be expected to develop your own research within the themes of the group, in dialogue with and expanding our existing projects. You will conduct your doctoral project, which will be co-supervised by the research group leader Dr. Lara Keuck. You will also be regularly participating in the working life of the group, attending our seminars, webinars and workshops, and contributing to the overall intellectual milieu. We invite creative and thoughtful submissions which address practices of validation in the biomedical sciences through specific historical cases and considered research questions. Broad thematic areas of inquiry could include but are by no means limited to:

• How have validation practices been established, revised and policed in relation to historically specific moral, economic and political concerns?
• How have practices of validation been used in boundary work during different crises or challenges in biomedical research?
• How were validity claims mediated and propagated through specific technologies, materials and forms of communication?

Prior experience working on the history or philosophy of the biomedical sciences is desirable but not essential. We look forward to reading your application.

What we offer:

A versatile workplace with a family-friendly climate and an international academic atmosphere. The salary is based on the German public service salary scale TVÖD, level E13 (65%).

Requirements:

• a completed Masters degree in the History of Science or cognate disciplines.
• ability to speak fluently and produce academic publications in English.
• ability to communicate in German is highly desirable.

How to apply:

Please submit your application in English (Cover letter, CV, short Research Proposal (max. 1.000 words), copy of MA certificate or verification that the applicant’s thesis has already been submitted, copy of MA thesis (PDF), names of three references available for contact within the application period, proof of language abilities, if available) and exclusively through the following application portal:

https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/19628034

by October 31, 2021, 23:45 CET.

Only applications submitted in this way will be considered.

The Max Planck Society is committed to fostering equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applicants from all parts of society, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disabilities, or sexual orientation.