Doctoral Position (f/m/x) – History of Computing in Latin America Wiss2609-09

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Doctoral Position (f/m/x) –

History of Computing in Latin America

ERC Consolidator Grant “WIRED“| Department of History | Professor Gerstenberger

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.

Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne

make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in

science, technology, and administration.

The ERC-funded project “Wired History. Computers, Humans, » Willingness to undertake extended research stays in

and the Making of Latin American Futures, 1950s–2000s” Costa Rica

[WIRED], led by Professor Dr Debora Gerstenberger in the » Strong organizational and communication skills

Department of History, investigates how people and digital » Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in

technologies have shaped future-oriented projects and an international research team

institutions in Latin America since the mid-20th century.

Combining approaches from the history of computing,

We Offer

Science and Technology Studies (STS), and social, political,

economic, and cultural history, the project explores diverse » Excellent research conditions within a dynamic and

practices of future-making and their material and social innovative team

impacts. » A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

We invite applications for a Doctoral Researcher to study the » Support in balancing work and family life

history of large-scale investments in computer chip manu- » Extensive advanced training opportunities

facturing facilities in Latin America, with a particular focus » Occupational health management offers

on Costa Rica, during the 1980s and 1990s. The position » Flexible working time models

is part of a collaborative research environment and entails

close cooperation with the Principal Investigator, a postdoc- The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and

toral researcher, a project manager, and another doctoral diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordresearcher. ance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also

expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates

YOUR TASKS regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social

» Conduct independent research on the history of origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

large-scale investments in computer chip manufacturing facilities in Latin America, with a particular focus on The position is available from 15 February 2027 on a part-

Costa Rica, during the 1980s and 1990s. time basis (25,89 hours per week). The doctoral position

» Complete a monograph based on this research is to be filled for a fixed term until 14 February 2031. If

» Contribute at least one chapter to a co-authored project the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and

monograph jointly developed by all four researchers on personal qualifications, the salary is based on remunerathe team tion group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public

» Carry out archival research at relevant institutions and sector.

locations in Costa Rica and internationally

» Actively participate in research group activities (e.g.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications

reading groups, workshops, and joint publications)

and include a cover letter explaining your motivation and

» Present research at international conferences and worksuitability to participate in the research group, as well as a

shops

CV, a writing sample (MA thesis or recent article), a list of

» Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals

publications (if applicable) and copies of certificates without

» Contribute to the organization of project activities (e.g.

a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.

workshops, guest visits, website maintenance, and social

Please also provide the names of two referees who can be

media)

contacted via email or telephone.

The reference number is Wiss2609-09. The application

YOUR PROFILE deadline is 04 November 2026. Interviews will take place in

» MA in History or a closely related discipline (e.g. Social/ November or December 2026.

Cultural Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Media Studies)

» MA dissertation with excellent marks and demonstrated For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Debora

research potential Gerstenberger (debora.gerstenberger@uni-koeln.de) and

» Expertise in or strong interest in archival research take a look at our FAQs.

» Expertise in or strong interest in the history of computing, history of technology, Science and Technology

Studies (STS), and/ or Latin American history

» Excellent proficiency in English and Spanish; willingness

to learn German is an advantage