Doctoral Position (f/m/x) – History of Computing in Latin America

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Doctoral Position (f/m/x) –

History of Computing in Latin America

The ERC-funded project “Wired History. Computers, Humans,

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

[WIRED], led by Professor Dr Debora Gerstenberger in the

Department of History, investigates how people and digital

technologies have shaped future-oriented projects and

institutions in Latin America since the mid-20th century.

Combining approaches from the history of computing,

Science and Technology Studies (STS), and social, political,

economic, and cultural history, the project explores diverse

practices of future-making and their material and social

impacts.

We invite applications for a Doctoral Researcher to study the

history of large-scale investments in computer chip manu-

facturing facilities in Latin America, with a particular focus

on Costa Rica, during the 1980s and 1990s. The position

is part of a collaborative research environment and entails

close cooperation with the Principal Investigator, a postdoc-

toral researcher, a project manager, and another doctoral

researcher.

YOUR TASKS

» Conduct independent research on the history of

large-scale investments in computer chip manufactur-

ing facilities in Latin America, with a particular focus on

Costa Rica, during the 1980s and 1990s.

» Complete a monograph based on this research

» Contribute at least one chapter to a co-authored project

monograph jointly developed by all four researchers on

the team

» Carry out archival research at relevant institutions and

locations in Costa Rica and internationally

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

reading groups, workshops, and joint publications)

» Present research at international conferences and work-

shops

» Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals

» Contribute to the organization of project activities (e.g.

workshops, guest visits, website maintenance, and social

media)

YOUR PROFILE

» MA in History or a closely related discipline (e.g. Social/

Cultural Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Media Studies)

» MA dissertation with excellent marks and demonstrated

research potential

» Expertise in or strong interest in archival research

» Expertise in or strong interest in the history of com-

puting, history of technology, Science and Technology

Studies (STS), and/ or Latin American history

» Excellent proficiency in English and Spanish; willingness

to learn German is an advantage

» Willingness to undertake extended research stays in

Costa Rica

» Strong organizational and communication skills

» Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in

an international research team

WE OFFER

» Excellent research conditions within a dynamic and

innovative team

» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

» Support in balancing work and family life

» Extensive advanced training opportunities

» Occupational health management offers

» Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and

diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accord-

ance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-West-

phalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also

expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates

regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social

origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 15 February 2027 on a part-

time basis (25,89 hours per week). The doctoral position

is to be filled for a fixed term until 14 February 2031. If

the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and

personal qualifications, the salary is based on remunera-

tion group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public

sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications

and include a cover letter explaining your motivation and

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

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

publications (if applicable) and copies of certificates without

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

Please also provide the names of two referees who can be

contacted via email or telephone.

The reference number is Wiss2609-09. The application

deadline is 04 November 2026. Interviews will take place in

November or December 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Debora

Gerstenberger (debora.gerstenberger@uni-koeln.de) and

take a look at our FAQs.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

ERC Consolidator Grant “WIRED“| Department of History | Professor Gerstenberger