Doctoral Position (f/m/x) – History of Computing in Brazil Wiss2609-08

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Doctoral Position (f/m/x) –

History of Computing in Brazil

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

and the Making of Latin American Futures, 1950s–2000s” in Brazil

[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

technologies have shaped future-oriented projects and on 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 » Support in balancing work and family life

the development of university-level computer science » Extensive advanced training opportunities

education in Brazil during the 1960s and 1970s. The position » Occupational health management offers

is part of a collaborative research environment and entails » Flexible working time models

close cooperation with the Principal Investigator, a postdoctoral researcher, a project manager, and another doctoral The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and

researcher. diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also

YOUR TASKS expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates

» Conduct independent research on the history of com- regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social

puter science education and the development of origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

computer science programs at Brazilian universities and,

where relevant, other institutions of higher education The position is available from 15 February 2027 on a part-

» Complete a monograph based on this research time basis (25,89 hours per week). The doctoral position

» Contribute at least one chapter to a co-authored project is to be filled for a fixed term until 14 February 2031. If

monograph jointly developed by all four researchers on the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and

the team personal qualifications, the salary is based on remunera-

» Carry out archival research at relevant institutions and tion group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public

locations in Brazil and internationally sector.

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

reading groups, workshops, and joint publications)

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications

» Present research at international conferences and

and include a cover letter explaining your motivation and

workshops

suitability to participate in the research group, as well as a

» Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals

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

» Contribute to the organization of project activities

publications (if applicable) and copies of certificates without

(e.g. workshops, guest visits, website maintenance,

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

and social media)

Please also provide the names of two referees who can be

contacted via email or telephone.

YOUR PROFILE The reference number is Wiss2609-08. The application

» MA in History or a closely related discipline (e.g. Social/ deadline is 04 November 2026. Interviews will take place in

Cultural Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Media Studies) November or December 2026.

» 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 Portuguese;

willingness to learn German is an advantage