Postdoctoral Scholar (m/f/d) | Migratory Expertise and Practices of Knowledge Transmission

Overview

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) is an internationally respected research institute of the Max Planck Society (MPG) with currently two research departments, several research groups, and a graduate school. At the MPIWG, around 150 scholars from all over the world investigate the sciences past and present, working together on a collective, collaborative, and transdisciplinary basis. The MPIWG is renowned worldwide as a hub for reflection on the role of the sciences in politics and society. It is located in southwestern Berlin, close to the Free University of Berlin campus and other research institutions.

Department “Artifacts, Action, Knowledge,” led by Dagmar Schäfer, seeks to appoint one Postdoctoral Scholar (m/f/d) on “Migratory Expertise and Practices of Knowledge Transmission” – for two years, with an employment contract, TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13) – Starting on September 1, 2026 .

Department “Artifacts, Action, Knowledge” studies the history of knowledge and action, considering the changing role of artifacts: texts, objects, and spaces. Our research collectively examines the processes and structures by which people grappled with the materiality of existence. Through the analysis of everyday actions, we interrogate the boundaries and intersections between the inner workings of objects and all domains of life. The MPIWG will also commence a multi-year collaboration project with the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG), and the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity (MPI-MMG), on the research theme “EduTrack: Tracking Education Pathways and Social Policies,” led by Population Europe.

Your responsibilities

• Design and conduct qualitative research on (1) long-term historical experiences of Asian migrants in East and Southeast Asia and (2) community-building and knowledge transfer among Asian communities in Europe.
• Collect and analyze data on diverse stakeholders shaping knowledge production ecosystems in Europe and Asia (e.g., migrant community members and leaders across education, religion, vocational training, and health sectors).
• Produce research outputs, including writing, presenting, and publishing findings.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the external profile of the MPIWG-EduTrack project, including publications, events, and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare scientific content for different target audiences and oversee its dissemination.
• Manage digital communication (website, social media, etc.) in coordination with other MPI EduTrack institutions.
• Support leadership decisions through planning, preparation, and coordination of activities.
• Engage actively in the general research pursuits of the MPIWG. Contribute to and participate in departmental and institutional research activities and dialogues.

Your profile

• Completed a PhD in a relevant research field such as history, history of science, migration studies, geography, science studies, or other related humanities fields, awarded by the start date of the employment.
• Solid knowledge of empirical research, including questionnaire design, sampling strategies, and qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Demonstrated research experience in the fields of migration and diaspora, labor and knowledge, or science policy.
• Experience in Asian and European history is expected.
• Proven ability to publish scholarly work and present research findings in international contexts.
• Proficiency in a language relevant to the project regions, such as Asian and European languages.
• Excellent written and spoken English and German.
• Ability to provide organizational and conceptual support for management processes, including the preparation and steering of decision-making processes.
• Willingness to actively participate in the institute’s research activities and to take part in interdisciplinary academic exchange formats.

What we offer

• Flexible working hours; the opportunity to work from home as arranged with your superior; the opportunity to work part-time
• Annual year-end bonus; occupational pension (VBL); subsidy for public transportation within Berlin or Germany ("Jobticket"); paid leave on Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Eve (December 31) in addition to regular annual leave
• Weekly in-house yoga classes; regular information on occupational health management courses offered by our partner health insurance companies
• Access to the wide range of training courses offered by the MPG’s Planck Academy
• Close contact with all research and research-support units, with the opportunity for direct, personal dialogue
• An international setting with staff and guests from more than forty countries

Equal opportunity and application information

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer that strives to foster an inclusive workplace. As an institute of the MPG, the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science supports 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, socioeconomic background, or religion.

Please follow the links to find out more about the MPIWG’s policies on gender equality and hiring practices and hiring practices for people with disabilities, as well as Germany’s anti-discrimination laws as outlined in the General Equal Treatment Act.

Your application

Please submit your application with complete documents, preferably without a photograph, through our application portal. Include cover letter, curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (in a single PDF file), copies of qualifications, and the names and contact information of two potential referees.

Applications must be received by June 7, 2026 (23:59 CEST) .

We can only accept electronic applications submitted through the portal.

For questions concerning the position, the Institute, or the application process, please send an e-mail.