Doctoral positions (m/f/d) | Knowledge and Its Resources: Historical Reciprocities

Doctoral positions (m/f/d) | Knowledge and Its Resources: Historical Reciprocities

Join the International Max Planck Research School “Knowledge and Its Resources: Historical Reciprocities” (IMPRS‑KIR) to apply for three doctoral positions , starting on 1 September 2026 . Each position runs for 3.5 years, with one possible six‑month extension.

The IMPRS‑KIR is a research‑driven PhD programme based in the history and philosophy of science, technology and medicine (HPSTM). It is a joint initiative of the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‑Universität zu Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin. The programme focuses on the historical‑political epistemology of knowledge and its resources across time and space.

Students will work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment. The curriculum includes: one year of courses in collaboration with the three Berlin universities, mentored reading groups, workshops and training in digital humanities methods, a tailored coaching programme, language courses and a research budget for travel to archives worldwide. Up to one semester may be spent at an international partner university.

Qualifications

• Masters (or equivalent) in history, philosophy of science, technology, medicine or related fields.
• Proficiency in English (minimum B2, preferably C1). Fluency in additional languages is an advantage.
• Ability to present and discuss research in English.
• Excellent academic record and strong research proposal aligned with the programme’s agenda.

Application Materials

• A cover letter with a personal statement of motivation (max. 1,000 words).
• A dissertation proposal (max. 2,500 words, excluding bibliography) including working title, abstract (max. 250 words), research topic, state of the art, research questions, methodology, project feasibility, and bibliography (max. 30 titles).
• Curriculum vitae (1–2 pages).
• Copies of master’s degree certificates and transcript of grades.
• Proof of English proficiency (unless English is native or university instruction language).
• Contact details of two academic referees (Selection Committee will contact them).

All materials must be submitted as separate PDF documents via the application portal. The portal closes on 15 January 2026, 23:59 CET . Applications submitted by email or post will not be considered.

Diversity Statement

The IMPRS‑KIR encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion or sexual orientation, supporting diversity across its four collaborating institutions.

Benefits

Funding is provided through an employment contract with the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science or Technische Universität Berlin, with a possibility to teach. Contracts run 3.5 years (MPIWG) or 3 years + 0.5 years at MPIWG (TU). A PhD degree will be awarded by the associated Berlin university, along with an IMPRS certificate.

Contact

For further inquiries about the PhD programme and recruitment process, contact the IMPRS Office. Email addresses provided are for questions only.