PhD Candidate in the Project »Material Form Function« (m/f/d)
With 67% Regular Working Time – E 13 TV-L HU from 01.06.2022 Limited Until 31.12.2025 – Reference Number: DR/029/22 – Application Deadline: 30.03.22
Wood bark. Copyright: Pexels and Matters of Activity
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.
You can find more information here.