Nov. 2023
The Project “FEVER – Global Histories of (a) Disease,” based at the University of Heidelberg’s History Department, recruits two doctoral researchers. They offer a 4-year appointment, on 65% TV-L 13 salary level, starting on 1 March 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The project explores the history of fever and febrile diseases in societies connected 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 center 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, develop their own research agenda, engage in collaborative research, and 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
They 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, family-friendly, and international research environment.
Applications including
- a research proposal specifying the planned subproject (max. 3000 words)
- a short CV (max two pages)
- diplomas or certificates
- An electronic copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis
- and the 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.uniheidelberg.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 www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.
