Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

Organisation/Company: UNIVERSITÄT DUISBURG-ESSEN

Research Field: History, Philosophy, Religious sciences, Environmental science, Geosciences, Sociology, Ethics in social sciences

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), Established Researcher (R3)

Country: Germany

Application Deadline: 10 May 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are a young, innovative university in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. Excellent in research and teaching, we think in terms of possibilities rather than limits and develop ideas with a future. We embrace diversity, promote potential and are committed to educational equality worthy of the name.

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) in the KWI – Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities is looking for a:

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

(salary group 13 TV-L, 100 %)

Start of employment: as soon as possible

Duration of employment: until 2029-08-31

Working time: 39 hours 50 min. (100 %) (part time is possible)

Reference number: 182-25

The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen is an interdisciplinary research institute for the humanities and social sciences in the tradition of institutes for advanced study. Located in the Ruhr Area, KWI offers a space for independent and innovative research and various opportunities to engage and include the public.

Our project:

The ERC Synergy project “The Cultures of the Cryosphere. Infrastructures, Politics and Futures of Artificial Cooling” (CultCryo) investigates the cultural preconditions and consequences of the use of artificial cold. With a globally networked system of cold storage facilities, nitrogen tanks, cold chains, and air-conditioned spaces, the global use of cooling and freezing technologies enables modern life on both biological and social levels – for example, in the areas of food supply, medicine, air conditioning, and data processing. Despite its far-reaching socio-ecological impacts, the enormously energy-intensive planetary "cryosphere" has not yet been systematically researched. The interdisciplinary research project consists of several international research groups working in close cooperation. For more information, please visit: www.cryocultures.org

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) with expertise in cultural anthropology, critical urban studies and/or science and technology studies. The ideal candidate has strong qualifications in qualitative empirical research as well as a proven record of engaging with concepts and theories of technology, urbanism and culture. The research will primarily concentrate on ethnographies of urban politics of artificial cold and local cultures of cooling as well as on the history and theory of artificial atmospheres and thermal governance. Fieldwork will require travel to relevant urban sites around the globe and extended periods for ethnographic work on-site.

Responsibilities

• Individual and collaborative research and publication work within the ERC project
• Developing and co-editing a digital archive of alternative cooling technologies and practices
• Willingness to undertake extended ethnographic multisided research trips
• Close collaboration with other members of the international research team
• Academic event organization and communication
• Contribution to project administration, archiving and management of research data

Your Profile

• PhD degree in cultural anthropology, science and technology studies (STS), sociology, history, or other relevant social science disciplines and/or in relevant fields of environmental sciences.
• Demonstrable interest in or experience with research on the cultural dimensions of technology and/or urban development.
• Very good English skills (C1 or higher) is required, knowledge of German and Spanish or willingness to learn these languages is desirable.
• Proven academic experience in using and developing qualitative research methods, incorporating field research in literary and cultural analysis or the use of digital humanities methods.
• The workplace is the KWI – Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities in Essen (Germany), with regular participation in local and international project meetings, expeditions, and workshops (including travel to the Americas, Asia, and Australia). While there is a possibility for partial remote work, the chosen researcher should be able to be present in Essen regularly.
• Willingness to closely cooperate with international research teams and project partners in the fields of philosophy, social science, urban studies, history, geography, and computer science is expected.

We Offer You

The ERC Synergy Project offers the opportunity to participate in a high ranked international research endeavor dedicated to studying a pressing global phenomenon.

The position offers:

• a varied, multifaceted area of responsibility in a lively research-intensive environment that includes versatile international exchange
• a pleasant and inspiring working atmosphere at KWI Essen
• independent and collaborative research with a dynamic, international, professional team, with various opportunities to engage and include the public
• flexible arrangements for working hours and the possibility of partially working remotely from home
• family friendly work environment with childcare facilities for your children
• advice in case of family care responsibilities
• a wide range of training and development opportunities, individual onboarding and induction
• excellent public transport connections
• attractive sports and health facilities (university sports)
• opportunity for habilitation and intensive support on the path to developing your own research focus

Application

Your application should include a cover letter (2–3 pages), CV, a writing sample from previous research work (max. 15 pages), as well as relevant certificates (all academic degrees). The application should be sent no later than the 19th of May 2025 via e-mail in a single PDF file to applications@cryocultures.org and include the reference number 182-25.

The University of Duisburg-Essen aims to promote the diversity of its members. (http://www.uni-due.de/diversity ). It strives to increase the quota of women among its academic staff and therefore strongly encourages relevantly qualified women to apply. In accordance with the NRW State Equal Opportunities Act, women with equal qualifications will be given preferential consideration.

Applications from suitable severely disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of Section 2 (3) SGB IX are welcome.