Organizer Information
The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut (KHI) is a research institute dedicated to the study of art history and related disciplines. The position is offered within the department of Professor Bianca de Divitiis, whose research project Borders explores the historical, material, political, and cultural dimensions of borders. The project encourages interdisciplinary exchange between art historians, artists, and scholars from other fields.
Title & Description
Academic Assistant Project “Borders”
The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut invites applications for a full-time Academic Assistant position connected to the research project Borders. The opportunity is intended for an excellent, research-driven candidate who can develop an independent research project that corresponds thematically and methodologically with the department’s focus.
The Borders project examines borders as mobile, contested, visible and invisible structures. It addresses the material marking of margins through objects, sculpture, and interventions in nature, as well as the representation of borders through maps and paper. It also considers contemporary bordering techniques and the presence of visible and invisible borders in cities, including areas inhabited by minority or foreign-born communities.
The Role Overview
- Position: Full-time Academic Assistant
- Level: Pre- or Postdoctoral
- Contract: One year, extendable up to three years
- Starting Date: December 1, 2026; later start dates may be considered in justified cases
- Location: Florence, Italy
- Salary: Remuneration according to the German public-service collective agreement (TVöD Bund), with social benefits where applicable; otherwise, adequate remuneration according to Italian law
- Department: Professor Bianca de Divitiis
- Research Framework: Borders
Position & Tasks
The selected candidate will conduct an independent research project within the Borders framework while contributing to the department’s scientific and organizational activities. Responsibilities include coordinating work by doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, collaborating with guest scholars and interdisciplinary experts, and contributing to publications, databases, digital projects, and other project outputs.
The Academic Assistant will also help organize meetings, seminars, workshops, visits, trips, annual summer courses, exhibitions, and other activities in collaboration with the department director.
Categories
- Art History
- Visual Culture
- Research
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Contemporary Art
- Cultural Studies
- Architecture and Urban Studies
Eligibility
The call is open to highly qualified pre- or postdoctoral researchers with a research project relevant to the Borders theme. Applicants should demonstrate research excellence, international experience, organizational ability, flexibility, originality, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries.
English fluency is required. Additional language skills, preferably active, may include Italian, Spanish, German, or Portuguese.
The position is Florence-based, and successful candidates are expected to reside in Florence by the start of the appointment. The position cannot be held concurrently with another employment or major fellowship award.
The Max Planck Society welcomes applicants from all parts of society regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation.
Program Benefits
The successful candidate receives a full-time research position with remuneration and corresponding social benefits where applicable. The role provides an opportunity to pursue an independent research project within an international and interdisciplinary academic environment and to participate in publications, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and other scholarly activities.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
- Position Start: 1 December 2026
- Duration: One year, extendable up to three years
Location
Florence, Italy
Additional Details
The position requires active participation in the intellectual life of the institute and a willingness to engage with contemporary art historians, artists, and scholars from other disciplines. Candidates should demonstrate both strong independent research capabilities and readiness to undertake scientific and organizational responsibilities.