The Mining History Research Unit at the German Mining Museum Bochum invites applications for a PhD position as part of the research project “Toxic Heritage: Socio-natural Landscapes of Extraction and Pollution in the Harz and Cornwall”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) for three years beginning on April 1, 2025. The employment is based on the in-house wage agreement of DMT-LB. The salary is calculated equivalent to a 65% position according to TV-L E 13. The position is limited to 36 months.
The "Toxic Heritage" project is a collaborative research initiative conducted by Jun.-Prof. Tina Asmussen (German Mining Museum Bochum: Leibniz Research Museum for Georesources) and Prof. Dr. Peter Oakley (Royal College of Art London). It explores the mining landscapes of the Harz Mountains (Germany) and Cornwall (England) as socio-natural entities that reveal centuries of human-induced environmental transformations. By focusing on the toxic residues left behind by mining, the project aims to reframe mining heritage—not just as a story of economic and technological development, but as an enduring legacy of environmental and socio-cultural impact. Through this lens, the project interrogates traditional binaries between nature and culture, emphasizing the interconnections between elemental forces (earth, water, air, fire), technologies, human bodies, and biophysical systems. Spanning the late medieval period to the present, it fills a critical gap by addressing mining’s long-term environmental effects and situates these landscapes within the broader context of Anthropocene studies.
The project is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on team members’ expertise in environmental history of knowledge, material culture studies, creative practice research and curatorial practice.
The PhD candidate will work closely with Tina Asmussen and her team on the Harz case study. The candidate should have a background in the history of science, technology and culture and/or environmental history. His/her research will focus on a dissertation project investigating the toxic residues in the Harz mining landscape, with particular emphasis on soil, forest, and water contamination between the late 18th and early 20th centuries. This dissertation will address the enduring environmental and societal impacts of mining in the region, contributing to the broader goals of the "Toxic Heritage" project.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent historical research aligned with project objectives
- Analyze historical sources and archival materials
- Collaborate with project partners across disciplines
- Contribute to publications, conferences, and project events
Professional and Personal Requirements for Employment
- A university degree (Master or equivalent) in history of science, technology, culture, environmental history, or a closely related field
- Proven excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English and German
- Experience in archival research, historical analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Familiarity with GIS tools and methodologies is advantageous
Tasks
- Individual research within the framework of the research project, resulting in a PhD in history
- Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research
- Participation in, and support of, research, publication and outreach activities of the research group
- Obtaining a doctorate at the Ruhr University of Bochum
- Comply with mandatory attendance requirements in Bochum
What we offer
- Promotion of your personal development as well as your professional qualification through regular further education programs
- Flexible work time models that ensure a good work-life balance
- Social benefits: 13th salary, vacation pay, capital formation benefits
- IGBCE as tariff partner
- Extensive additional benefits: PME family service, health days, participation in company runs, very good collegial work environment, close cooperation with the works council
The remuneration is based on the DMT-LB in-house tariff and for this position is comparable to the pay group E13 of the collective agreement of the states (TV-L).
Application
- Cover letter to explain your motivation to contribute to the “Toxic Heritage” project; experience in the field of mining history and heritage, history of science, technology and culture and/or environmental history; experience and/or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration; title and content of the degree/master thesis (max. 2 pages)
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Average grade of the student record (undergraduate and postgraduate)
- Outline of a possible doctoral project to be conducted in the context of the project (in English or German, max. 3 pages)
- Writing sample (MA Thesis, publication, or anything similar)
- Copies of certificates
- Name, email and telephone number of at least two referees
Timeline
- Deadline for Applications: February 16, 2025
- Applicants will be notified about whether they will be interviewed by February 23, 2025
- Interviews will take place via zoom on March 5-7, 2025
- The accepted applicant will be expected to start work in Bochum by April 1, 2025
Please submit your application in English or German to our online application portal: Link. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Enquiries can be made to the project’s PI, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Tina Asmussen (tina.asmussen-at-bergbaumuseum.de)
