Two PhD Scholarships in History, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Jewish or Cultural Studies (University of Heidelberg)

The Cluster of Excellence “Asia and Europe in a Global Context: Shifting Asymmetries in Cultural Flows” at the University of Heidelberg is offering

2 PhD scholarships (2 + 1 years)

within the Junior Research Group (JRG) “Transgressing Spaces and Identities in Urban Arenas - the Case of Harbin (1898-1949)”.

The PhD students will be expected to develop a PhD project within the Junior Research Group's research focus. The JRG primarily examines transcultural relationships and processes of exchange between different national, ethnic and religious communities during the first half of the twentieth century in essential areas of public life in multicultural Harbin (Manchuria) with focus on Russian, Jewish, Chinese and Japanese populations.

For more information concerning the JRG “Transgressing Spaces and Identities in Urban Arenas - the Case of Harbin” see http://www.vjc.uni-hd.de/groups.htm.

Detailed information about the Cluster's aim and framework can be found at
http://www.vjc.uni-hd.de.

Applicants must have a Master's degree in Chinese, Japanese, Russian or Jewish Studies or in History or Cultural Studies with a concentration in Chinese, Japanese, Russian or Jewish history/culture and language skills in one to the project relevant language (Chinese, Japanese, Russian or Yiddish). Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. Knowledge of methods and theories in Transcultural Studies and Cultural history is highly desired.

The successful applicants will be expected to complete a Ph.D. dissertation on transcultural phenomena and processes of exchange in one essential area of public life in multicultural Harbin (Manchuria) with focus on the Russian, Jewish, Chinese or Japanese population within the three-year funding period.

The scholarships will start on 1 October 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter. They are awarded for two years with a possible renewal for another year after successful evaluation. The scholarship includes a stipend of EUR 1.000 per month and access to travel funds. Applications from women, ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged.

Applications must include a CV, transcripts, a short proposal of the planned PhD project (not more than three pages), and two letters of recommendation. Complete applications are to be submitted electronically by September 12, 2008, to the following address:
frank.gruener@urz.uni-heidelberg.de.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Frank Grüner
University of Heidelberg
Institute for East European History
Grabengasse 3-5
D-69117 Heidelberg
Germany
email: frank.gruener@urz.uni-heidelberg.de