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Postdoctoral Researcher in Modern Chinese Intellectual History

Heidelberg University seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher in Modern Chinese Intellectual History for a fixed term (2 years) full time position starting on 1 July 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. The candidate will work with the Project Leader, Prof. Joachim Kurtz, on the collaborative research project ‘East Asian Uses of the European Past: Tracing Braided Chronotypes’ funded by Humanities in the European Research Area (HERA). This interdisciplinary project investigates how East Asian scholars adapted specific moments or historical tropes from Europe’s past (such as the ‘renaissance’ or the ‘scientific revolution’) to interpret their own histories and predicaments, as well as how such reflections in turn inspired new perceptions of the European past in Europe proper. The project seeks to show that, far from being Europe’s exclusive property, the pasts constructed through such emblematic historical moments were shaped in global circulations of meaning.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with the Principal Investigator to conduct his/her own research related to the grant theme. S/he will also be responsible for planning conferences and organizing knowledge-exchange activities with academics as well as local partners. S/he will also be expected to work closely with Heidelberg University’s other HERA collaborators at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Universities of Zurich and Madrid.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will have completed a PhD in Chinese or East Asian Studies, Philosophy, History, or a related discipline. S/he will be experienced in conducting textual or other forms of analysis appropriate to her/his discipline, have a demonstrated ability to advance research in transcultural intellectual history, and be comfortable working in a small multidisciplinary team. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including native or near-native fluency in academic English and advanced reading ability in classical and modern Chinese. Familiarity with other East Asian languages is desirable.

During the two-year project, the appointee will be employed on a non-renewable contract by Heidelberg University and will be treated as a normal employee of the university. The position offers attractive working conditions and remuneration according  to the German academic salary scale (TV-L E13, 100%).

How to apply:

• Interested applicants should send one PDF file containing two writing samples comprising no more than 20,000 words in total; a detailed CV including names and contact details of two referees; and a cover letter addressing how the candidate's research fits the theme of the collaborative research project supported by the grant to Ms. Shupin Lang (
lang@asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de).
• The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 April 2017.
• Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in the first weeks of May (by Skype or in person).

Heidelberg University seeks to achieve a higher proportion of women in areas where they have not been adequately represented so far. Women with the required qualifications are expressly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to disabled Applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude for the post. For further questions, please contact Prof. Joachim Kurtz (
kurtz@asia-europe.uniheidelberg.de).