[Stellenangebote] PhD position (m/f/d) with 65% part-time job, limited to 3.5 years, ERC-Project ZODIAC - Ancient Astral Science in Transformation

[Wissensgeschichte]

Fachbereich Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften - Altertumswissenschaften ERC-Projekt ZODIAC, PI Dr. Dr. Mathieu Ossendrijver
PhD position (m/f/d) with 65% part-time job limited to 3.5 years Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L FU Kennung: PhD_ZODIAC_2022
Bewerbungsende: 18.04.2022
The project "ZODIAC - Ancient Astral Science in Transformation" (ERC Advanced Grant No. 885478) investigates ancient astronomical and astrological practices in the wake of the introduction of the zodiac (ca. 400 BCE - 300 CE) through textual, tabular, iconographic and other sources from Babylonia, Egypt, the Greco-Roman world and beyond. The ZODIAC team is led by Principal Investigator Mathieu Ossendrijver (history of ancient science; Assyriology; astrophysics) and includes postdoctoral researchers in Assyriology, Egyptology, papyrology/classics and digital humanities. The project is hosted at the Institute for the History of Knowledge in the Ancient World of the Fachbereich History and Cultural Studies.

The successful applicant will collaborate with Principal Investigator Mathieu Ossendrijver and the ZODIAC team to pursue a PhD project on ancient mathematical astronomy. The preferred topic of the PhD project is to evaluate and interpret developments in the accuracy of astronomical prediction in Babylonia and Greco-Roman Egypt. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in an exact science (astronomy, physics, mathematics, informatics) and a field of ancient philology (Assyriology; classics; Demotic) or history of science. Exceptional candidates without a background in ancient world studies or exact science and other PhD projects on ancient mathematical astronomy within the chronological and geographical scope of ZODIAC will also be considered.

The PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment. The successful applicant will be based at ZODIAC and enrolled in the doctoral program Ancient Philosophy and History of Ancient Science (APhil/HistAS) of the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BERGSAS, www.berliner-antike-kolleg.org/en/bergsas). The prospective starting date is 1 July 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description:
* complete a PhD project on ancient mathematical astronomy
* participate in ZODIAC research meetings, contribute to the development of ZODIAC's
  research infrastructure
* enroll in the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BERGSAS)
* present own research at conferences and workshops
* participate in the organisation of ZODIAC workshops, public outreach and social media
  activities related to the PhD project

Requirements:
Master's degree in an exact science (e.g. astronomy, physics, mathematics, informatics) and/or an equivalent degree in another area relevant to the PhD project (history of science, Assyriology, classics, Egyptology)

Desirable:

* master's degree in an exact science (astronomy, physics, mathematics, informatics)
* bachelor or master's degree or documented skills in a relevant field of ancient philology
  (Assyriology; classics; papyrology; Demotic)
* experience with or interest in astronomical computation, both ancient and modern
* very good analytical skills, relevant programming skills and academic writing skills
* ability to work independently, good communicative skills, and team spirit
* excellent English language skills (written and oral)
* strong motivation to complete a PhD dissertation in 3.5 years

They should include:

* cover letter
* complete curriculum vitae including list of publications if applicable
* relevant certificates and documentation of qualification
* exposé (max. 3 pages plus references) with an outline of the proposed dissertation project and
research ideas
* writing samples (MA thesis, papers, and/or publications) totalling at least 20 pages
* names and contact details of two referees (those of shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide letters of recommendation)

Receipt of application will be acknowledged. Applicants will be notified by email as soon as a decision is made. Short-listed applicants will be invited to an on-campus or online interview. For more information on the project ZODIAC see https://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/en/e/zodiac/index.html.

Weitere Informationen
Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code, in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Herrn Dr. Mathieu Ossendrijver: wissensgeschichte at geschkult.fu-berlin.de or postal to

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.
Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften
ERC-Projekt ZODIAC - Ancient Astral Science in Transformation
Dr. Dr. Mathieu Ossendrijver
Arnimallee 10
14195 Berlin

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https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/english/GK-PhD_ZODIAC_2022-E.html