We are seeking applicants for a position in project 1A “A Translingual Conceptual History of Chinese Worlds” based at the Department of History and Cultural Studies, Freie Universität Berlin. In Chinese many terms denote the semantic field of world, including neologisms like quanqiuhua (globalization), and terms like tianxia (all under heaven) and datong (great unity), which have experienced a revival in recent years. This project analyses which concepts of world particular terms convey, how terms and concepts have moved across linguistic borders, and how the use of terms and their inclusion into new narratives create worlds of their own. The candidate’s doctoral project should relate to one of these topics. Doctoral projects can be dedicated to Chinese terms for world as well as focus on key terms in specific fields (e.g. global history, global health, the history of science, philosophy etc.) and analyze their repercussions on Chinese conceptualizations of world.
The early-career researcher will work in a team with a postdoctoral researcher and Chinese and German research fellows in Berlin, led by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Conrad (Global History). The candidate will receive funding for conducting research in the PRC, Taiwan or Hong Kong and for participating in international workshops and conferences.
Job Description:
Participating in the project “A Translingual Conceptual History of Chinese Worlds” within the joint project “Worldmaking from a Global Perspective: A Dialogue with China”, funded by the BMBF
Collaborating with project members and fellows, and fostering the exchange between German and Chinese researchers
Assisting in the organisation of the project’s conferences, workshops and transfer activities
Requirements:
Completed MA-level university degree (Master/Magister/Diplom) in Sinology/Chinese Studies, (Global) History, Philosophy, Transcultural Studies or a related discipline with a focus on China by the time of employment.
Desirable:
Fluency in Chinese and English
Excellent academic record and the ambition to conduct a doctoral project
Strong interest in conceptual history, transcultural studies and global history
Experience analysing terms and concepts from historical and translingual perspectives
Experience studying abroad in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong
Interest in archival research
Ability to work independently in an interdisciplinary team of researchers
For further information, please contact Mrs. Susanne Ebermann (susanne.ebermann@fu-berlin.de / 030 838 75034).
More Information
All applications (including a cover letter outlining your background, a detailed CV including reference letter, and all relevant certificates, summary of the MA thesis (1 page); outline of the thesis project (max. 4 pages)) quoting the reference code should be directed preferably electronically in one PDF-file to Mrs. Prof. Dr. Elena Meyer-Clement and Prof. Dr. Sebastian Conrad: susanne.ebermann@fu-berlin.de .
On the given occasion and for the duration of the essential on-site operations by Freie Universität Berlin, we kindly ask you to apply electronically by e-mail. The processing of a postal application cannot be guaranteed.