2 PhD Scholarships in Modern History, Global History, History of Medicine, Chinese, Japanese or Russian Studies (University of Heidelberg)

The Cluster of Excellence “Asia and Europe in a Global Context” at the University of Heidelberg is offering

2 PhD Scholarships (3 years)

within the Research Project “Gloom Goes Global: Epistemologies and Ontologies of Melancholy between Europe and Asia”.

The PhD students will be expected to develop his/her own subproject within the Group’s research profile. The Research Group focuses on the study of melancholy as a historical-anthropological phenomenon and scientific medical concept from a transcultural perspective. It will explore influential narratives and perceptions of gloom as articulated in various national and cultural contexts – in (Western) Europe, Russia and East Asia (China and Japan) – since the middle of the 19th century, and will examine their mutual penetration and transformation.

Candidates must hold an M.A. or equivalent in a relevant discipline of the humanities or social sciences such as History, Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Chinese, Japanese or Russian Studies. Proficiency in English and at least one project-relevant language (Russian, Chinese or Japanese) is required. A strong interest in transdisciplinary research is essential. Knowledge of methods and theories in Transcultural Studies and Cultural history is highly desired.

The scholarships will start on 1 January 2013. They are awarded for the duration of three years. The scholarship includes a stipend of EUR 1.200 per month and access to travel funds.

Heidelberg University is an equal opportunity/affirmative-action employer. In case of equality of qualification and suitability of applicants, the applications made by female researchers will be given preferential consideration. We also encourage explicitly applications from disabled persons.

Applications must include a CV, academic transcripts, a proposal of the planned PhD project (not more than three pages), and two letters of recommendation. Complete applications are to be submitted electronically by 30 November 2012, to the following address: gruener@asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de

For further information please contact:
Dr. Frank Grüner
University of Heidelberg
Cluster of Excellence “Asia and Europe in a Global Context”
Karl Jaspers Centre for Advanced Transcultural Studies
Voßstraße 2
D-69115 Heidelberg
Germany
email: gruener@asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de

or:
Dr. med Maike Rotzoll
Universität Heidelberg
Institut für Geschichte und Ethik der Medizin
Im Neuenheimer Feld 327
D-69120 Heidelberg
Germany
email: maike.rotzoll@histmed.uni-heidelberg.de