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

We 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).

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 (khinrichsen@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de).

Further information on the MPIWG can be found at https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/.