The German Maritime Museum (DSM)/Leibniz Institute of Maritime History is a research museum of the Leibniz Association. The mission of the DSM is to explore the interaction between humans and the sea, using maritime technologies as an example, based on socially relevant topics and its collection, to preserve significant maritime relics from the past, and to communicate questions relevant to shaping the future in a science-based and visitor- and user-oriented manner through exhibitions and transfer events. The University of Bremen is a research university with an internationally renowned focus on marine research.

As part of a joint appointment procedure (§ 20 of the BremHG), the position of Head of Program Area III "Communication of Marine-Related Sciences" at the German Maritime Museum | Leibniz Institute for Maritime History is to be filled

in conjunction with a cooperative professorship (f/m/d)

Salary grade W2

for the field of communication of museum-related scientific history

in Faculty 8 – Social Sciences

in the Institute of History at the University of Bremen

Reference number: P689/25

Subject to fulfillment of the general civil service requirements, the appointment to the professorship will be made on a permanent basis.

The responsibilities of the professorship, both in research and teaching, include, in particular, the communication of cultural, social, and technological history, as well as the history of science, closely linked to the research fields of the DSM. We are seeking a person with outstanding knowledge in the methodology of knowledge communication and/or museum-related history of science, as well as a willingness to theoretically reflect on the interrelationship between humans and the sea. They will be responsible for the design of the exhibition and science communication projects developed at the DSM and reflect on the interplay between research and exhibitions. In particular, they will actively participate in the promotion of young researchers.

The responsibilities of the program area head also include team leadership and responsibility for the success of the education and outreach group located in their area, as well as participation in cross-institutional strategy and program planning. These are embedded in international museum developments. The location is Bremerhaven.

Eligibility criteria include a relevant academic university degree, a relevant and outstanding doctorate, and further academic achievements in history or, in justified cases, in related subjects with a strong connection to history. A habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) or equivalent is expected. In exceptional cases, this may be offset by substantive achievements in a senior academic position in the museum field outside of a university. The substantive achievement consists of the methodically sound curation of special and permanent exhibitions. A willingness to pursue further training in higher education didactics and pedagogical and didactic aptitude, which is generally demonstrated through experience in university teaching, are also required. Proficiency in German (at least very good reading skills for international applicants) and English, as well as the willingness to offer courses in both German and English, are expected; active German language skills should be established after three years at the latest. Experience in implementing exhibition projects and/or comparable knowledge communication formats is expected.

The appointment is based on Sections 18 and 20 of the Bremen Higher Education Act (BremHG) and Section 116 of the Bremen Higher Education Act (BremBG) according to the Berlin Model.

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since it was founded 50 years ago. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance with great potential for innovation. As an ambitious research university, we stand for the approach of research-based learning and a pronounced orientation towards interdisciplinarity. We actively organise scientific cooperation worldwide in a spirit of partnership. 

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to try new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for one another. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe and the world.

The university is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The DSM and the University of Bremen intend to increase the proportion of female employees in science, which is why women are expressly encouraged to apply. In the case of equal qualifications, women will be given priority, unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor prevail.

Severely disabled persons with essentially equal professional and personal qualifications will be given priority in applications

For general questions regarding the personnel selection procedure as well as questions regarding the content of the advertised position, please contact the Managing Director of the DSM, Prof. Dr Ruth Schilling, schilling@dsm.museum

Applications with informative documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, two to three-page exposé on the profile of the professorship as well as a list of all third-party funded projects and exhibition projects, proof of management and academic teaching experience) stating the reference number P689-25 and a detailed description of your research interests as a PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail by June 18th, 2025 to: fb08.bewerbung@uni-bremen.de or by post to:

University of Bremen
Dean of the Faculty 08/Social Sciences
Reference number: P689-25
University Boulevard 11-13
28359 Bremen

Please note that no photos are to be attached to the application documents.

Further information on appointment procedures at the University of Bremen can be found at https://www.uni-bremen.de/berufungsverfahren