Research Traineeship – Photographic Collection / History of Photography
Institution: Ruhr Museum, Essen, Germany
Deadline: 24 October 2025
Location: Essen, Germany
Contract: Fixed-term, 2 years (50% position, Entgeltgruppe 13 TVöD)
Start Date: 1 January 2026
Working Hours: 39 hours/week
The Ruhr Museum is offering a two-year Research Traineeship focused on the photographic collection and the history of photography. The position is linked to the research project “Christine Boeckmann & die Galerie im Riek – scientific study of early art photography exhibition practices in Essen”.
The traineeship provides comprehensive training across museum practice, combining research, archival work, exhibition development, and curatorial tasks. Participants will also engage in the structured program of the “Forschungsvolontariate Kunstmuseen NRW” and attend the research colloquium on the Theory and History of Photography at Folkwang University of the Arts.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting research on Christine Boeckmann’s photographic and archival holdings.
- Archival processing, cataloguing, and conservation-preparatory work.
- Contextualisation of the collection within the Ruhr Museum’s photo archive.
- Researching early photography galleries in Germany.
- Writing exhibition and publication texts.
- Coordinating the research project and contributing to public programming.
- Supporting exhibition outreach, communication, and education.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completed Master’s degree in Art History, Media Studies, History, Cultural Studies, or Museum Studies (preferably with a focus on photography).
- Proficiency in German and English (spoken and written).
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
- Flexibility, team spirit, and an organised, results-oriented working style.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of photographic collections and post-1960 German history.
- Experience in museums, archives, or curatorial projects.
- Familiarity with oral history and archival sources.
