Student Assistant (m/f/d)

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) is a 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 campus of the Free University Berlin and other research institutions.

The MPIWG’s Department “Knowledge Systems and Collective Life,” led by Prof. Dr. Etienne Benson, seeks to appoint a Student Assistant (m/f/d) starting as soon as possible for up to 19 hours per week.

Researchers in the Department “Knowledge Systems and Collective Life” use historical and ethnographic methods to study the relationship between knowledge systems and forms of collective life in the past and present. We seek to foreground neglected histories, trace cross-cultural connections, engage with diverse publics, expand the boundaries of the political, challenge conventional definitions of science and technology, critically reflect on our own political and ethical commitments, and experiment with new methods and media. Further information about the department can be found here. The working language of the department is English.

Your responsibilities

• Assist director with research
• Research and compilation of scholarly literature
• Assistance with organization and annotation of research materials
• Organizational support for scholarly events
• Assistance in maintaining the department’s website
  
  

Your profile

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program (first or second semester) at a university in Germany in History, History of Science, or a closely related field
• Excellent language skills in English; German language skills desirable
• An interest in one or more of the following research fields: 19th and 20th century environmental history, history of science, science and technology studies with a focus on the relation between environment and politics
• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• The ability to work both independently and in a team, good communication skills, a talent for organization
• An interest in and enthusiasm for work in an international research institution
  
  

Our offer

• remuneration at the student employee rates of the MPG support for junior scientists and scholars: currently €17.17 for Master’s students who can demonstrate completion of their Bachelor’s degree
• working hours to align with your studies
• work in an international setting with staff and guests from more than forty countries
• close contact with all research and research-support units and the opportunity for direct, personal dialogue
• promotion of your professional interests and research interests
• use of the on-site reference library
• access to the wide range of training courses offered by the MPG’s Planck Academy
• occupational health management: weekly in-house yoga classes; regular information on courses offered by our partner health insurance companies
• a student representative for equal opportunities.
  
  

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 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 in English with complete documents, preferably without a photograph, through our application portal. Include cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of qualifications (in a single PDF file) and employment references (in a single PDF file) here: https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/36470786

Please note that we can only accept electronic applications submitted through the portal. Applications must be received by August 21, 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Questions about the position or the application process may be addressed to the department’s research officer, Dr. Kerstin Hinrichsen.

Further information on the MPIWG can be found on our website.