The ERC project FEVER, based at the University of Heidelberg’s History Department, is recruiting two doctoral researchers (f/m/d). We offer a 4-year appointment, on 65% TV-L 13 salary level, starting on 1 March 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The ERC project titled “FEVER - Global Histories of (a) Disease” explores the history of fever and febrile diseases in societies within or tied to the Atlantic world between 1750 and 1840. The project studies the prevalence and sensory experience of fever(s) in the Atlantic World, controversies about the causes of fever – about contagionist and environmentalist views, that is – and historic fever remedies, especially popular, folk and indigenous febrifuges. The doctoral projects are expected to centre on specific regions, focusing on the history of fever either in a southern European society (e.g., Spain, Portugal, Italy etc.) or in one of the Iberoamerican viceroyalties (e.g. New Spain or New Granada etc.) in the given period.

Your Tasks:
The 5-year project is led by Professor Stefanie Gänger, starting in October 2023. The doctoral researchers are expected to make an intellectual contribution to the FEVER project, to develop their own research agenda, engage in collaborative research and to contribute to the coordination of project-related activities, e.g., workshops. There are no teaching obligations associated to this post.

Your Profile:
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following qualifications, skills and experience:
- an excellent degree in history or history of science and medicine (or evidence that completion of such a degree is imminent)
- knowledge of the history and language(s) of the envisioned area of study
- excellent spoken and written English; working knowledge of German being an asset, but not a requirement
- the ability to play an effective and collegial role in the life and work of the ERC project

We offer:
A four-year contract with social security benefits plus a budget for trips to the archives, to conferences and toward the organization of workshops. The doctoral researchers will be part of a dynamic, familyfriendly, and international research environment.

Applications including
- a research proposal, specifying the planned subproject (max. 3000 words)
- a short CV (max 2 pages)
- diplomas or certificates
- an electronic copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis
- and names and contact information of two academic referees
should be sent by 1 December 2023 in one collated PDF file to stefanie.gaenger@zegk.uniheidelberg.de. Interviews will be held in January 2024. Prior to application, further information (including project details and application procedure) can be obtained from stefanie.gaenger@zegk.uni-heidelberg.de.
Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market