Short Description
Documentarian for the Photo Library/Collections at the Central Institute for Art History in Munich
The Central Institute for Art History (ZI) in Munich is the only non-university art history research institute in the Federal Republic of Germany. With its research department, one of the world’s most important and largest art history libraries, the image holdings of its photo library as well as numerous internationally used online services and databases, the ZI is also a central service institution and offers outstanding work opportunities for the international scientific community. The Institute is a subordinate office of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.
The Role Overview
The institution is seeking a Documentalist (m/f/d) for its Photo Library and Collections. The position is offered on a 75% part-time basis, starting February 1, 2026, with an option to increase to a 100% full-time role at a later date.
Position & Tasks
- Arranging, indexing and archiving the collection holdings of the Photothek and the old registry of the ZI
- Formal and factual indexing of analogue and digital photographs
- Collaboration in the development of a digital collection and knowledge cataloguing
- Digital collection management, in particular: maintenance and supplementation of data stocks (e.g. in SQL database and Wikibase)
- Provision of data exports (e.g. for exchange with project partners and for export to DDB/Europeana)
- User support, processing of requests, support of assistants and interns
Who Can Apply?
Relevant education (FH diploma, university bachelor’s degree) with a focus on computer science, information science or art/cultural history or comparable qualification through professional practice
- Knowledge and experience in dealing with databases and data transformation, ideally with SQL and X technologies as well as with Wikidata/Wikibase and SPARQL
- Knowledge of the exchange formats established in the library/archival/art-historical context, ideally including LIDO
- Knowledge of the relevant technical vocabulary and regulations, in particular of art-historical terminology (desired)
- Experience in art-historical documentation, especially with regard to photo collections (desired)
- very good knowledge of the German language; At least a good knowledge of the English language
- a high degree of reliability, the ability to work independently, strong communication and teamwork skills, quick comprehension and flexibility, as well as service orientation are required
- Basically on-site work
How to Apply
Please send your application documents as one coherent PDF document (max. 5 MB) by e-mail under the keyword “Photothek” to: bewerbungen@zikg.eu
Program Benefits
- The employment relationship is based on the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L). The classification is in pay group 9b TV-L in a permanent employment relationship with the Bavarian state.
- You will work closely with the management and other staff (mainly student assistants) in the Photothek team, involved in various research and cataloguing projects. Contacts with researchers from various departments of the Central Institute of Art History as well as opportunities for topic-related networking and further training, give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge.
- The ZI is centrally located in Munich and is very easy to reach by public transport. We offer you an interesting and responsible job with social benefits in accordance with public service regulations, a discounted job ticket in public transport and a company pension scheme (VBL).
Entry Fee
None
Location
Munich, Germany
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 26 November 2025
Website Link: https://www.zikg.eu/aktuelles/nachrichten
