Postdoctoral Researcher / Curator (100%) (f/m/d)

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

Futurium is the ‘House of Futures’. As a vibrant venue for a diverse audience, it encourages open discussion and exploration of possible, probable and desirable futures. Since its opening in 2019, it has welcomed over 3 million visitors. Its partners include the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space of Germany, scientific organisations, research companies, and renowned foundations.

The Department of Geography at the University of Bonn and Futurium are partnering on the Z05 project “Negotiating African Futures: an exhibition project” of the CRC-TRR 228 “Future Rural Africa”. For a period of three years (in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG), the Z05 project partners are seeking a

Postdoctoral Researcher / Curator (100%) (f/m/d)

The curator will be employed by the University of Bonn for the first 1½ years and by the Futurium for the second 1½ years; over the whole employment period, the curator will have two places of work (Dienstsitz): Bonn and Berlin. Regular travel between Berlin and Bonn is a must. In addition, travel to different African countries is expected.

The Collaborative Research Center CRC-TRR 228 "Future Rural Africa. Future‑making and social‑ecological transformation" combines expertise from the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, as well as their numerous scientific partners, to study newly emerging issues of social‑ecological transformation and future‑making in Africa. The overarching goal of project Z05 "Negotiating African Futures: An exhibition project" is to translate key findings from the CRC-TRR 228 into engaging science communication and making research on rural African future‑making accessible to broad audiences in Europe and Africa by showcasing an exhibition project in the Futurium. The curator will be working under the guidance of the Project Leaders Prof. Dr. Eva Nöthen (University of Bonn) and Dr. Gabriele Zipf (Head of Exhibitions, Futurium) and in close collaboration with the Futurium exhibition team.

Your responsibilities

• Conducting and coordinating content‑related research in close collaboration with the CRC subprojects.
• Developing a coherent and scientifically grounded content concept for the exhibition.
• Translating complex scientific findings into clear, accessible, interactive and aesthetically engaging exhibition formats (both analogue and digital), writing exhibition texts, storyboards etc.
• Co‑conceptualising and coordinating workshops and other activities in African contexts in collaboration with project partners, as well as translating and integrating the outputs of them into the exhibition concept and planning.
• Liaising with scientists, artists, cultural institutions and other relevant stakeholders in African contexts.
• Accompanying the set‑up and realisation of the exhibition.
• Conceptualising and implementing the evaluation of the exhibition project.
• Regular travel between Berlin and Bonn, as well as travel to different African countries (including remote rural areas) are necessary.

Your profile

• PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field (e.g. Geography, Anthropology, Science Communication, Art History, Journalism, Futures Studies, Science and Technology Studies).
• In‑depth knowledge of the social, economic, ecological, and cultural dynamics of rural regions in Southern and Eastern Africa.
• Familiarity with the African art scene.
• Proven experience in the transfer of complex scientific content towards broad public audiences especially in the exhibition/museum sector.
• Strong competencies in the development of engaging and visually compelling formats, especially analogue and digital media as well as interactive exhibits.
• Experience in coordinating complex projects involving diverse stakeholders.
• Independent, structured, and reliable working style.
• Ability and enthusiasm to work in a cross‑cultural and international team.
• Willingness to familiarise yourself with new topics in an interdisciplinary manner.
• Above‑average commitment, intellectual flexibility and openness to the special requirements of the planning and implementation process of an exhibition across several cultural contexts.
• Excellent written communication skills in English (e.g. experience in journalistic writing); knowledge of an Eastern or Southern African language desirable.
• Familiarity with common software applications and proficiency in digital project management and collaboration tools.

We offer

• Integration in an outstanding research and exhibition environment within and beyond the University of Bonn and the Futurium – House of Futures.
• Excellent network of multidisciplinary partners.
• Salary in accordance with TV‑L (Bonn) / TVöD (Berlin) pay grade 13, provided the individual requirements are met.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family‑friendly university. The University of Bonn seeks to increase female representation in staffing areas where women are underrepresented and provide special career support. It does therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the NRW State Gender Equality Act (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz, LGG NRW). Applications from qualified candidates with a certified severe disability or from those of equal status are especially welcome.

Futurium gGmbH is committed to achieving professional equality between women and men. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity. We give preferential consideration to severely disabled applicants and those with an equivalent status, provided they have the necessary qualifications and are suitable for the role. Applications will be handled in accordance with the General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG).