Curatorial Traineeship (Research) – Focus on Eastern Europe
Institution: Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst, Aachen
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Location: Aachen, Germany
Contract: 2-year curatorial research traineeship (Forschungsvolontariat)
Start date: 1 January 2026
Workload: Full-time, 39 hours per week
Compensation: Year 1: 50% of TVöD EG 13, Step 1; Year 2: 50% of TVöD EG 13, Step 2
The Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst Aachen is offering a two-year research traineeship focusing on its Eastern European collection, beginning January 2026. The position provides emerging art historians with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a museum of international standing, working closely with under-researched collection holdings.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement an independent research project on the Eastern European collections
- Conduct archival research in the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation archives in Aachen
- Digitise and, if necessary, translate documents and records
- Collaborate with local universities, independent curators, and researchers
- Engage in scholarly analysis of the Eastern European holdings with curatorial and collections staff
- Present research outcomes through an exhibition, symposium, publication, or workshop
Candidate Profile
- Completed academic degree in Art History, Cultural Studies, Museum Studies, or related fields
- Experience in museums and/or exhibition-making
- Extensive knowledge of contemporary Eastern European art and strong research interest
- Solid historical knowledge of Eastern Europe
- Excellent German and English skills (mandatory); Russian desirable
- Proficiency in office software and image editing programs
- Independent, structured, and reliable working style
- High initiative, organisational skills, and resilience
- Strong intercultural competence
Benefits
- Full-time traineeship with structured mentorship
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Flexible working hours (flextime)
- Public transport job ticket
- Involvement in a major cultural institution with international scope
