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 Freie Universität Berlin and other research institutions. Department Artifacts, Action, Knowledge, led by Prof. Dr. Dagmar Schäfer, seeks to appoint a **Graduate Assistant** (m/f/d) **[for up 19 hours per week, from October 15, 2026 to September 30, 2027, with the possibly of extension, to assist in the department’s publications office**) Department “Artifacts, Action, Knowledge” studies the history of knowledge and action considering the changing role of artifacts: texts, objects, and spaces. Our research collectively examines the processes and structures by which people grappled with the materiality of existence. Through the analysis of everyday actions, we interrogate the boundaries and intersections between the inner workings of objects and all domains of life. For more detailed information, please visit the department website. **Your responsibilities:** - assisting with copyediting tasks on English-language academic texts, including formatting to style guide, language editing, and verifying references - assistance in maintaining the department’s website - maintaining reference databases and other digital repositories - supporting the acquisition of digital image files, including licenses and permissions - research assistance including literature review and preparation of summaries in the context of various research projects in the department - assisting with general administrative tasks **Your profile:** - currently enrolled in a master’s degree program (first or second semester) at a university in Germany - excellent written and spoken English (native-level proficiency or equivalent); good command of German or another foreign language (e.g., Chinese) is desirable - keen interest in academic writing, copyediting, and scientific communication - proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with macOS - ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with strong communication and organizational skills - interest in and enthusiasm for working in an international research environmen **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](https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/institute/gender-equality "https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/gender-equality") and [hiring practices for people with disabilities](https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/institute/disability "https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/page/disability"), as well as Germany’s anti-discrimination laws as outlined in the [General Equal Treatment Act](https://www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de/SharedDocs/downloads/EN/publikationen/agg_wegweiser_engl_guide_to_the_general_equal_treatment_act.pdf?__blob=publicationFile "https://www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de/SharedDocs/downloads/EN/publikationen/agg_wegweiser_engl_guide_to_the_general_equal_treatment_act.pdf?__blob=publicationFile") **Your application:** Please submit your application 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/36470788](https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/36470788) Applications must be received by **August 21**, 2026 **(23:59 CEST)** Please note that we can only accept electronic applications submitted through the portal.  For any questions about the position or the application process, please contact the departmental research coordinator, Rand El Zein ([relzein@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de](https://mailto:relzein@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de)) and the department’s publications manager, Melanie Glienke ([mglienke@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de](mailto:mglienke@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de)). Further information on the MPIWG can be found at [https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/](https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/ "https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/"). Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Boltzmannstr. 22, 14195 Berlin