2 Postdoctoral Researchers (100%, E13 TV-L, 2 1⁄2 years) in History of Science in Qing China

The Chair for Sinology with a focus on the Intellectual and Cultural History of China — Institute for Near Eastern and East Asian Languages and Civilizations — at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany) invites applications for a position of a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) with an interest in the global history of the mathematical sciences in China during the Qing dynasty.

The positions are part of the interdisciplinary project “The Language of Algorithmic Mathematics” funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2/2021–1/2026). Although this project has a digital humanities component, we also welcome research that focuses on small corpora of texts or specific mathematical domains from a linguistic, epistemological or a mathematical perspective.

Together with the other project members the applicant will conduct research on the natural and visual language of algorithmic mathematics in China in a global/transregional perspective and contribute to the following activities:

• Coordination of research activities in the project (research seminar, fellow invitations)
• support for the organization of conferences and project related publications
• collaboration in preparing applications for third-party funding
• contribute critical editions to a multilingual database of mathematical texts.

The successful candidate is expected to have the following qualifications:

• a PhD in Chinese studies, mathematical sciences or linguistics,
• a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts,
• preferably research experience in China, Hong Kong and/or Taiwan,
• experience in interdisciplinary and international research contexts,
• excellent knowledge of working languages English and Chinese.

The position is to be filled by July 1st 2023 or later. Yearly budget will be provided to support archival research and international conference participation.

FAU is a family-friendly employer and intends to increase the number of women in research and teaching positions and, therefore, strongly encourages female researchers to apply. In its pursuit of academic excellence, FAU is committed to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture and values diversity.

Please apply by submitting a cover letter of application, a CV, a project description (ca. 1000 words), max. three publications, and contact information (incl. email addresses) for two academic references by April 16th 2023 to Prof. Dr. Andrea Bréard andrea.breard@fau.de. Inquiries concerning the position may be directed to the project leader beforehand.