Professorship in History and Materiality of Scientific and Technical Culture, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Germany

Summary

The Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and the Deutsches Museum (DM) jointly offer a professorship in the history of science, technology and environment, focusing on the history and materiality of scientific and technical culture. The role includes leading the research, archive and library division at DM (about 60 staff), teaching two semester hours per week at the Historical Seminar, and developing interdisciplinary research projects with the museum. The incumbent must hold a doctorate, possess extensive knowledge of 19th‑21st century science and technology history, and be experienced in digital documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, project management, and team leadership. Salary follows collective agreement group A 16 (BayBesG); LMU provides dual‑career support and prioritises gender balance and disability inclusion.

Key Facts

Employer	Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
Department	Faculty of History and Art Studies
Position Type	Professor
Discipline	History of Science, Technology and Environment
Research Area	History and Materiality of Scientific and Technical Culture
Salary	Salary according to collective agreement group A 16 (BayBesG)
Funding	Salary according to collective agreement (Bes.Gr. A 16 BayBesG)
Employer Address	Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Bavaria

About the Project

The professorship will develop and steer research on the history and materiality of scientific and technical culture, integrating museum collections, digital recording techniques, and interdisciplinary collaborations between the Deutsches Museum and LMU’s Historical Seminar. It also oversees the research, archive and library unit, fostering innovative trans‑disciplinary projects and knowledge transfer.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualise and shape the professorial profile and research agenda
• Maintain and intensify cooperation between DM and LMU’s Historical Seminar
• Conduct research and teach (2 semester hours per week) at the Historical Seminar
• Lead the research, archive and library division (≈60 staff) at DM
• Develop interdisciplinary research directions with high innovation and engagement
• Design, realise and organise trans‑disciplinary research and transfer projects
• Secure and manage funding for early‑career scientists
• Lead research teams and supervise personnel
• Integrate digital acquisition and analysis methods into research and exhibition programs

Required Skills

• Excellent knowledge of science and technology history (19th‑21st century) and its material culture
• Familiarity with digital recording techniques and analysis methods
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and collaboration with technical sciences or museums
• Proven ability to conceive, realise and organise innovative trans‑disciplinary projects
• Experience in supporting early‑career researchers and obtaining research funding
• Leadership experience in managing research teams and personnel
• Experience in university teaching and curriculum development

Who Should Apply

Highly qualified scholars who have completed a university degree and hold an outstanding PhD (or equivalent qualification) in the history of science, technology or environmental history, with strong interdisciplinary research experience, digital documentation skills, and proven leadership in research teams.

Benefits

• Salary according to collective agreement group A 16 (BayBesG)
• Support for dual‑career couples provided by LMU
• Preference for applicants with disabilities
• Institutional affiliation with LMU and the Deutsches Museum (Leibniz Association)

About the Employer

LMU’s Faculty of History and Art Studies collaborates with the Deutsches Museum, an integrated research museum and member of the Leibniz Association. The joint appointment combines university professorship duties with leadership of DM’s research, archive and library unit, encompassing around 60 employees and the conservation‑restoration department.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the teaching load?

The teaching obligation is 2 semester hours per week.

Is there support for dual‑career couples?

Yes, LMU offers support for dual‑career couples.

How is the salary determined?

Salary follows the collective agreement group A 16 (BayBesG).