The advertised position will be located in the project Material Form Function and is part of the research strand »Fibrous and Tessellated Materials Systems«. The »Material Form Function« group gathers experts from biology, engineering, surgery, design, architecture and the humanities to explore material systems where micro-and macroscopic geometries and their associated properties interact at diverse structural levels: From a historical-genealogical perspective, modern culture and technology have been extensively built on passivated materials, like concrete, steel, plywood and glass. The modern techniques of material passivation account for the exhausting consumption of resources and energy – heavily contributing to the anthropogenic ecological crises of today. Against this paradigm – and the hylomorphic schema of materiality –, the interdisciplinary exploration of the inherent self-activity of (bio-)materials can be understood as a critical intervention towards novel modes of technicity and making: for the imagination of more sustainable futures and for a new culture of material. The research strands Fibrous and Tessellated Materials Systems share an interest in biological materials and aim to uncover their structure-function relationships at tissue, organism and ecosystem levels. The main focus is on active materials whose dynamic character derives from the integration of stiff building blocks into a flexible matrix, and the organization of matter among their interfaces.
The research assistant building on expertise from the humanities will contribute particularly to the research strand »Fibrous Materials« with a focus on wood and bark. »Fibrous Materials« explores the broader field of fiber-based biological materials in relation to active matter and smart materials, but also as (re-usable) waste in order to examine how natural material interfaces and structures can be used as models for the development of efficient, sustainable smart material interfaces. Research will be carried out in close collaboration with materials science and design research in order to design an interdisciplinary perspective on the aforementioned active materials and against the background of global crises and decolonial processes.
Requirements
- completed scientific studies (Master) in cultural studies, media cultural studies, European ethnology, history or history of art
- profound knowledge in theories and qualitative methods of cultural studies or history of knowledge with a special focus on new materialism, decolonial approaches and/or exhibition analysis
communication skills (German and very good English language skills)
- interest in working in an international and interdisciplinary team
- interest in developing transdisciplinary methods and theoretical approaches
As an interdisciplinary research Cluster, we know that diversity makes us better. It is important to us that our employees not only reflect a broad spectrum of social, personal and cultural backgrounds and life experiences, but also that they can fully contribute to the work environment in their individuality. We particularly welcome applications from women*, people with personal or family migration biographies, and people with diverse skills.
Applications
Please send your application (including cover letter, curriculum vitae, relevant references, exposé for a PhD project with 1-2 pages) with the reference number DR/029/22 to
»Excellence Cluster Matters of Activity. Image Space Material«
Prof. Dr. Robert Stock
Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin
or preferably by e-mail in a PDF file to moa.application [at] hu-berlin.de.
The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is seeking to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and specifically encourages qualified female scholars to apply. Disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential consideration. People with an immigration background are specifically encouraged to apply. Since we will not return your documents, please submit copies in the application only.
Data protection information on the processing of your personal data in the context of the tender and selection procedure can be found on the homepage of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: https://hu.berlin/DSGVO.
About the Cluster
The cluster »Matters of Activity. Image Space Material« aims to lay the foundations for a new culture of materiality. The central vision of the Cluster is to rediscover the analog in the activity of images, spaces and materials in the age of the digital. In doing so, biology and technology, symbolic forms and material, nature and culture intertwine in a novel way. The research program of »Matters of Activities. Image Space Material« places an emphasis on traditional and elementary practices, such as Weaving, Filtering and Cutting. These practices facilitate the analysis, experimentation, and design of new forms of processes that rely upon the inherent structures and implicit codes of active materiality. To address the basic question of how to rethink matter as an active material and how to identify the ramifications of this fundamental cultural shift, we have developed an integrative research structure that fosters an essentially convergent research process. In six projects, more than 40 disciplines systematically investigate design strategies for active materials and structures that adapt to specific requirements and environments. The Cluster focuses on a new role of design, which is emerging in the context of growing diversity and the continuous development of materials and visualization forms in all disciplines.