Research Curator Position

Within the research project "Toxic Heritage: Socio-natural Landscapes of Extraction and Pollution in the Harz and Cornwall" (DFG/AHRC) at the German Mining Museum Bochum - Leibniz Research Museum for Georesourcee (DBM).

The Mining History Research Unit at the German Mining Museum Bochum invites applications for a research curator position as part of the research project "Toxic Heritage: Socio-natural Landscapes of Extraction and Pollution in the Harz and Cornwall," funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), beginning on June 1, 2026, or at the earliest possible date. The employment is based on the in-house wage agreement of DMT-LB. The salary is calculated equivalent to a 75% position according to TV-L E 13.

The position is limited to 24 months.

About the Project

The "Toxic Heritage" project is a collaborative research initiative conducted by Jun.-Prof. Tina Asmussen (German Mining Museum Bochum: Leibniz Research Museum for Georesources, DBM) and Prof. Dr. Peter Oakley (Royal College of Art London, RCA). It explores the mining landscapes of the Harz Mountains (Germany) and Cornwall (England) as socio-natural entities that reveal centuries of human-induced environmental transformations. By focusing on the toxic residues left behind by mining, the project aims to reframe mining heritage—not just as a story of economic and technological development, but as an enduring legacy of environmental and socio-cultural impact. Through this lens, the project interrogates traditional binaries between nature and culture, emphasizing the interconnections between technologies, economy, human bodies, and biophysical systems. Spanning the late medieval period to the present, it fills a critical gap by addressing mining's long-term environmental effects and situates these landscapes within the broader context of Anthropocene studies.

The project is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on team members' expertise in environmental history, history of science and technology, material culture studies, creative practice research, and curatorial practice.

The Position

The research curator will work at the DBM in Bochum on the Harz case study while closely collaborating with the London team at the RCA on the Cornwall case study. The primary responsibility is the development and realization of a joint exhibition presenting the project's findings, scheduled to open in Spring 2028.

Responsibilities and Tasks

Curatorial Tasks:

Develop and curate the "Toxic Heritage" exhibition from concept to realization (opening Spring 2028)
Coordinate with both research teams (DBM and RCA) to integrate project findings into the exhibition narrative
Collaborate with institutional partners regarding exhibition design, logistics, and knowledge transfer
Manage the exhibition budget and timeline

Research and Outreach Tasks:

Independent research (source research, archival research, interviews, fieldwork)
Contribute to academic/public outreach, such as publications, workshops, public events
Write grant applications to research and cultural funding bodies

Required Qualifications:

A Master's degree (or equivalent) or PhD in the humanities or social sciences
Demonstrated experience in developing and curating exhibitions and research transfer (please specify scope and context in your application)
Excellent proficiency in both written and spoken German and English
Experience in archival research, historical analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration

Desired Qualifications:

Knowledge of mining history, environmental history, or heritage studies
Experience working in museum contexts
Familiarity with GIS tools and methodologies (optional)

What We Offer:

A motivated and supportive team
Flexible working hours for a better work-life balance
Targeted support for your personal development and professional qualifications through regular training and continuing education
Attractive benefits: 13th-month salary, vacation pay, and employee savings plan
An active works council
Extensive additional benefits: pme family service, health days, company runs, and a collegial and appreciative working atmosphere

The remuneration is based on the DMT-LB in-house tariff and is comparable to pay group E13 of the collective agreement of the German federal states (TV-L) at 75% FTE.

Application Materials

Please submit the following documents in English or German:

Cover letter (max. 3 pages) addressing: Your motivation to contribute to the "Toxic Heritage" project; your experience in curatorial work (please describe specific projects); your experience and/or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
Curriculum vitae
Academic transcripts: For candidates with a Master's degree: final transcript or degree certificate; for candidates with a PhD: thesis abstract (max. 2 pages) and degree certificate
Relevant certificates
Contact details of at least two referees who may be contacted if required (name, email, and telephone number)

Timeline

Application deadline: February 15, 2026
Notification of interview invitations: March 16, 2026
Expected start date: June 1, 2026, or at the earliest possible date

Please submit your application via our online application portal:

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online portal. Applications via email or postal mail will not be considered.

For questions, please contact Jun.-Prof. Dr. Tina Asmussen —tina.asmussen[at]bergbaumuseum.de

Information about the German Mining Museum Bochum can be found at www.bergbaumuseum.de.

We, DMT-LB, are a regional, national, and international company active in science, education, and culture. We collaborate with two well-known and recognized institutions – the DBM and the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences.

DMT-LB is committed to gender equality and diversity and therefore welcomes all applications – regardless of gender, disability, nationality, or ethnic and social origin.