The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin, Department III (Artifacts, Action, Knowledge, Director: Prof. Dr. Dagmar Schäfer) offers one Predoctoral position, starting date 1 May 2021, for three years, with employment contract working in close conjunction with the research project “Agriculture and the Making of Sciences” of Department III.

Remuneration is based on the TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13/65%).

Outstanding graduates holding a Master’s degree in Sinology, Chinese Studies, Middle and Near Eastern Studies, History, Art History, History of Science, STS or other relevant fields are invited to apply.

Candidates should be proficient in either Classical Chinese or one of the following languages: Arabic, Persian and Ottoman Turkish. Priority will be given to candidates who can work with more than one of the aforementioned languages. For candidates with knowledge of Arabic, Persian or Ottoman Turkish, they should have experience working with manuscripts or archival records. We especially encourage candidates whose research addresses the multilingual and transregional nature of the project.

Successful applicants are expected to participate in the project’s working group dedicated to the study and translation of primary source materials from between 1100 and 1700, as well as other research activities of the Institute. They are expected to present their own work and discuss that of others in English. 

Candidates of all nationalities are invited to apply; applications from women are especially welcome. The Max Planck Society is committed to promoting individuals with disabilities and encourages them to apply.

Candidates are requested to submit their applications online using the following link:

https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/17301506

Deadline for submission: 3 January 2021 (23:59 CET)

Please note that only complete electronic submissions uploaded to this link will be accepted. Applications may be submitted in German or English. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.

Your application should contain:

1. cover letter

2. curriculum vitae

3. research prospectus in which you outline your planned contribution to the theme and questions of the project (maximum 1000 words)

4. English writing sample

5. names and contact details of at least two referees