The Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, with its high-ranking collection and lively exhibition and event program, is one of the major art museums in Germany. It has been managed as a state enterprise since 2009 and is a cultural institution of the state of Baden-Württemberg, operating according to art-historical and economic principles. The museum is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation process due to the renovation and restructuring of the main building as well as a planned expansion, during which the opportunities presented by digital change are being actively utilized. During the construction-related closure, the Kunsthalle is using interim locations, including the ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe and the Orangerie.
Provenance research has been conducted at the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe since 2010. With project funding, the Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts of the State of Baden-Württemberg aims to support the Kunsthalle’s efforts to intensify systematic provenance research on its own collection regarding cultural property seized as a result of Nazi persecution. In this context, we are filling a scientific traineeship in the field of provenance research at the earliest possible date.
The trainee (m/f/d) will gain insights into all museum-relevant areas of an art museum based on a jointly developed training plan. The core tasks of the traineeship in the Collection and Science department include systematic provenance research on the Kunsthalle’s collection of paintings acquired during the terms of directors Kurt Martin and Jan Lauts.
Specifically, the traineeship includes insights and participation in:
- Provenance research on the selected collection, developing the foundational work
- Preparation of in-depth research as agreed
- Careful documentation of the work process and research results
- Controlled entry of interim results into the imdas pro database of the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe
- Interim reports and a written final report on your research
- Possibly the development of an application for follow-up projects
- Administrative processes
Furthermore, knowledge in the areas of communication, museum management, and administration will be imparted. Exchange among trainees, participation in internal and external training, and the acquisition of additional qualifications are welcomed and supported. A central point of contact will be assigned to the trainee for the duration of the traineeship.
We expect:
- Degree in art history or history, preferably at Master’s level
- Experience in provenance research in the field of cultural property seized as a result of Nazi persecution
- Sound knowledge of art history
- Academic curiosity for determining historical facts and contexts
- Experience working with scientific databases
- Willingness to work in a scientific team
- Excellent German language skills
- Ideally good foreign language skills (English/French)
- Ability to work independently and responsibly
- Reliable, conscientious, and precise working method
We offer:
- Thorough training with diverse activities, opportunities for creative input, and assumption of personal responsibility
- A full-time position (39.5 hours) limited to two years in an attractive and creative environment
- Remuneration according to pay grade 13 TV-L, level 1 (50%), which increases to level 2 in the second year
- Flexible working hours within the framework of applicable regulations, the option for mobile work, and 30 days of vacation
- An annual special payment
- Attractive offerings within the framework of company health management
- Job ticket for local public transport with employer subsidy
Employees with diverse cultural backgrounds enrich our daily work, our program, and our projects. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications from individuals of any gender, regardless of their cultural and social background, age, religion, worldview, disability, or sexual identity. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Please send your application with the usual documents by April 19, 2026, via email to personal@kunsthalle-karlsruhe.de or in writing to the administration of the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, attn. Ms. Claudia Buselmeier, Hermann-Veit-Straße 6, 76135 Karlsruhe. Written applications will only be returned if you include a stamped and addressed return envelope. After the selection process is completed, all documents will be destroyed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. Further information is available from Dr. Tanja Baensch by telephone at 0721/20119-202, by email at baensch@kunsthalle-karlsruhe.de, or at www.kunsthalle-karlsruhe.de.
Note: This call has been translated from German. German proficiency may be expected, please consult with the employer.
Image credit: Via Kunsthalle Karlsruhe website
