47.2025 Two Doctoral Positions in the Research Field “Criticality and Ambivalence of Georesources”

Two Doctoral Positions in the Research Field “Criticality and Ambivalence of Georesources”

The German Mining Museum Bochum (Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum, DBM), a Leibniz Research Museum for Georesources administered by the DMT-Gesellschaft für Lehre und Bildung mbH, invites applications for two doctoral positions (65% according to the in‑house tariff, equivalent to TV‑L 11) in Program Area I fundamental research, to begin at the earliest possible date.

Positions are limited to 36 months and may be extended for one additional year following a positive mid‑term evaluation.

The DBM intends to deepen understanding of criticality and ambivalence of georesources as part of its doctoral programme. Possible topics may address questions of criticality in techno‑ritual practices, socio‑natural dynamics in mining landscapes, or the question of innovation and impacts in the transition to new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Completion of a doctoral dissertation within the thematic framework of “Criticality and Ambivalence of Georesources.”
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research.
• Participation in and support of the research group’s projects, publications, and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• A university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Archaeological Sciences, History, Geosciences, or a related field.
• Excellent methodological and analytical skills in the academic discipline in which the dissertation will be undertaken (archaeometallurgy, mining history, or mining archaeology), as well as a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Quick comprehension and the ability to familiarize oneself rapidly with new topics.
• Active participation in the activities of the working group, the research department, and the museum.
• Prior experience in handling digital research data; knowledge of R or a comparable statistical tool; familiarity with digital tools (e.g., reference management systems such as Zotero, Citavi).
• Very good command of English (spoken and written) and good command of German.
• Strong communication skills and the ability and willingness to work collaboratively in a team.

What We Offer

• Doctoral supervision at Ruhr University Bochum (Faculty of History or Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences).
• High‑level academic mentoring within the research department.
• Integration into an internationally composed, highly motivated, and collegial research team.
• Combination of university‑based research and research within a museum setting.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art chemical and analytical facilities.
• Targeted support for personal development and opportunities for further professional qualification.
• Flexible working time models to support work–life balance.
• Attractive social benefits: 13th‑month salary, vacation allowance, and capital‑forming benefits.
• An active works council and extensive additional benefits, including the PME family service, health days, company runs, and a collegial and appreciative working environment.

Compensation

Compensation follows the DMT‑LB in‑house tariff and is comparable to pay grade E 11 of the German Länder collective agreement (TV‑L).

Application Process

We look forward to receiving your application by 7 January 2026. The application should consist of a cover letter (max. 2 pages), a curriculum vitae, a sketch of a possible dissertation project (max. 3 pages), a writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis or publication), and copies of your certificates.

Submit your application via the provided link.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Thomas Stöllner – Mining Archaeology –

Prof. Dr. Tina Asmussen – Mining History –

Prof. Dr. Sabine Klein – Archaeometallurgy –

Equal Opportunity

The DMT‑LB strives for gender equality and diversity and therefore welcomes all applications – regardless of gender, disability, nationality, or ethnic and social background.