Research Assistant (m/f/d; postdoc) for the Research Project “Ecologies of Sculpture” (Institute of Art Studies)
Type of contract: Full-time position (currently 39.8 hours per week)
Organization: Braunschweig University of Art (HBK)
Application deadline: 30.9.2025
Project duration: November 1, 2025 – 31 October, 2028, with a possible extension until 30 June 2030 (subject to applicable legal provisions)
The position is project-based and limited until 31 October 2028, with the possibility of extension until 30 June 2030, subject to applicable legal provisions. The position is based in Braunschweig. The postdoctoral position is funded by the Lower Saxony program Potenziale strategisch entfalten of the MWK and the Volkswagen Foundation (zukunft niedersachsen). Braunschweig University of Art (HBK) is an internationally orientated university specializing in the arts. HBK Braunschweig is entitled to confer doctoral and ‘Habilitation’ (professorial) degrees.
With around 1,000 students enrolled in faculties including Fine Art, Art Pedagogy, Performing Arts, Design, Visual Communication, Art History and Aesthetics and Media Studies, HBK Braunschweig is one of the largest art universities in Germany. The position is part of the research project “Ecologies of Sculpture” (led by Prof. Dr. Ursula Ströbele) and involves research in the field of art history with a focus on 20th- and 21st-century art. At the heart of “Ecologies of Sculpture”—a sub-project of the newly established NatureCulture Art Lab—is a collaboration with the Sprengel Museum Hanover, centering on object-based research in and through the museum. Using the museum’s sculptural collection as a point of departure, the project explores material-based approaches in art history and object biographies in relation to ecocritical, decolonial, and infrastructural questions. Particular attention is given to the expanded field of sculpture and to marginalized artistic positions. The position offers the opportunity to pursue further academic qualification (habilitation). The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the Professorial Chair of Art History with a focus on Contemporary Art (Prof. Dr. Ursula Ströbele). Willingness and ability to assume administrative responsibilities within the overall project are prerequisites.
Responsibilities Include
- Developing a research project aligned with the overarching project “Ecologies of Sculpture” (20th–21st century)
- Coordinating the overall project, organizing events (e.g. conferences, workshops), managing financial planning, and fostering national and international networking
- Publishing research findings
- Participating in university committees
- Teaching opportunities available subject to agreement
Prerequisites for Employment
- Successfully completed university degree in Art Studies/Art History (Magister/Master)
- Successfully completed doctorate (PhD) in Art Studies/Art History
- Demonstrable and extensive knowledge of, and interest in, 20th and 21st century sculpture and sculpture theory, as well as current relevant discourses related to the research project
- A plan for further academic qualification, such as a habilitation project, is desirable
- Experience in project management
- Ability to work well in a team, with diligence and reliability
- Organized and clearly structured working methods
- Interest in curatorial processes, particularly regarding collaboration with the Sprengel Museum Hannover
- Networking within the academic research community is desirable
What They Offer
- Intensive professional exchange and a diverse range of tasks within a collegial team
- Opportunities for advanced qualification within the project framework
- Broad networking across academic, artistic, and institutional sectors in the cultural field The Braunschweig
The Braunschweig University of Art actively promotes the advancement of women within the framework of legal provisions and is committed to gender equality and diversity among its staff. Applications from individuals with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration, provided they possess equivalent qualifications, aptitude, and professional performance. Please include appropriate proof.
For further information, please contact Prof. Ursula Ströbele, ursula.stroebele@hbk-bs.de
Please send your application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates and a maximum threepage synopsis of the project proposal) exclusively in digital form (in one single file in PDF format, max. 10 MB) by 30.9.2025 exclusively by e-mail to: Bewerbung@hbk-bs.de. In the subject line, please indicate “Ecologies of Sculpture.” Please note that applications in other file formats or links to other documents will not be considered. Application costs cannot be reimbursed.
Image credits: HBK Braunschweig with library at Johannes-Selenka-Platz; photo: Frank Sperling
