Academic Assistant at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut (Archipelago)

The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut – Department Bianca de Divitiis – is pleased to announce a call for applications for the full-time position of Academic Assistant (m/f/d).

We are looking for an excellent and research driven candidate who has successfully completed his/her/their PhD (or will have done so by the start of the contract) and is positioned to propose a research project that corresponds thematically and methodologically to the research theme of the department Archipelago. Memory, Trade, and Art in the Mediterranean Islands.

Archipelago investigates the network formed by the islands, both large and small, across the Mediterranean. The project considers in parallel the internal complexity of the large islands, each of which has its own orography, local antiquities, stratified past, conflicting cultures and even borders; and at the same time on their nature as connected worlds, which related to one another and to the facing shores of Europe, Africa, and Anatolia. While tracing possible convergences and divergences between commercial and cultural exchanges, which also involved northern Europe, the project considers how local communities faced urgent technical challenges, some from the past, such as moving ships, and others which were important in the past and remain so today, such as the supply of water.

Read more on the project on https://www.khi.fi.it/en/forschung/abteilung-dedivitiis/index.php .

The Academic Assistant will conduct his/her/their own research within the framework of the new department and of the project.
He/she/they will be engaging with one or more of the following fields:

- Art and architecture in one or more islands of the Mediterranean and/or connected areas between the 15th and 17th centuries
- Archaeology and antiquarianism in one or more islands of the Mediterranean and/or connected areas between the 15th and 17th centuries

We expect the candidate to be open and capable of moving across disciplinary boundaries and to dialogue with experts in other fields, as well as with contemporary art historians and artists. Alongside excellence in research, the candidate should demonstrate flexibility and readiness to take on responsibilities, commitment to pursuing new insights through original scholarship, international experiences, and capability of working in group. Candidates must be fluent in English and German. Additional language skills (preferably active) may include knowledge of one or more of the following languages: Arabic, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish.

Application Deadline
The deadline for application is February 28, 2026, 12 pm CET.
Interviews will be held preferably in person, in March and April 2026.

Position Starting Date
May 1, 2026. In justified cases, we may also consider later starting dates. The position is offered for one year, extendable up to three years.

Responsibilities
In addition to working on an independent research project, the selected candidate will contribute to the scientific activities and help with organizational tasks of the department of Professor de Divitiis.

The Academic Assistant will:
- collaborate in the coordination of the works of docs and postdocs working on the project;
- collaborate with guest scholars, also from other disciplines;
contribute to the project’s output (publications, databases, digital and other media);
- plan and organize internal and external meetings, seminars, workshops, visits, trips, annual summer courses, exhibitions or other activities in collaboration with the Director.

This is a residential position. By the start of the appointment, candidates are expected to have taken up residence in Florence. The position may not be held concurrently with another employment or major fellowship award; applicants should not take on other obligations during their employment period. Candidates are expected to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the department and of the institute.

Salary
If the requirements are met, we offer remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD Bund) with corresponding social benefits. If the TVöD is not applicable, adequate remuneration will be paid in accordance with Italian law.

Application
Applications are welcome in German, English, or Italian. To apply the candidate must upload the following documents:

- Cover letter that clearly states the candidate’s interest and potential contribution to the project, and describes his/her/their scientific and organizational skills.
- PhD certificate, or if necessary, confirmation of the supervisor of expected completion.
- Description of PhD thesis, including contents (max. 1000 words; max. 4-5 pages).
- Description of proposed research project (max. 1000 words; max. 4-5 pages) with selected bibliography.
- Curriculum vitae with list of publications.
- Support letter from at least two academic referees.
- Publications or writing samples (no more than 3 – e.g. draft of an article, publication, PhD thesis chapter).

Please find here the application portal: https://apply.khi.fi.it/ .

The Max Planck Society is committed to fostering equal opportunities and diversity and welcomes applicants from all parts of society, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disabilities, or sexual orientation.

--
Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut
Via Giuseppe Giusti 44
50121 Firenze, Italia
+39 055 24911-1
infokhi.fi.it

www.khi.fi.it
khi.fi.it/newsletter
instagram.com/khiflorenz
facebook.com/khiflorenz
bsky.app/profile/khiflorenz.bsky.social
@khiflorenz #khiflorenz