Since its foundation in 1846/47 the Academy of Sciences has not only pursued scholarly research and the dissemination of new knowledge, but was always also an employer. There was no research staff before the early twentieth century, but as early as December 1847, administrative staff and servants, later also a bookkeeper, a doorman and cleaning staff were employed to facilitate routine business. This study examines the geographical and social background of these people, their qualifications, their personal and economic situation as well as how the academy dealt with their widows and orphans.