Institution: Faculty of Humanities, Asia-Africa-Institute, Department of Japanese Studies
Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L
Start Date: August 1st, 2023, fixed until July 31st, 2026 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application Deadline: May 4th, 2023
Scope of Work: Full-time position suitable for part-time
Responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.
Specific Duties
The project “Zen Buddhist Genealogical Diagrams in Early Modern Japan: Representations of Religious Authority, Implementations in Social Practice, and Transmissions of Knowledge”, funded by the DFG, proposes to address genealogical diagrams in the Chan/Zen tradition of East Asian Buddhism, in medieval and early modern contexts. The materials selected for study, while being diagrammatic in nature, draw on a rich and varied textual canon. They play central roles in the Zen Buddhist self-imagination, and in early modern times have circulated far and wide beyond the walls of the monasteries in which they were first produced and transmitted in the first place. The project’s perspectives include, but are not limited to, questions pertaining to genealogical concepts, motifs, and narratives in religious self-understanding and strongly sectarian contexts; to diagrammatic layouts in contrast to their representation in linear prose; and to the hermetic nature or ready availability of manuscript and print diagrams as well as their associated functions for both religious agencies and secular collectors.
The successful candidate will research, collect and acquire, if possible digitise, typologise, and analyse Zen Buddhist genealogical diagrams, as well as their contexts of production and reception. Proficiency in written Chinese (kanbun), in premodern and hybrid forms of Japanese writing (kobun/bungo and kanbun kundoku), as well as in the modern Japanese language is required. Familiarity with the history and doctrines of Chan/Zen Buddhism is preferable.
Being part of the four-project-package “World Genealogy. Presenting, documenting, and instrumentalising lineages in early modern Asia, Europe, and the Middle East”, the successful candidate will cooperate with their partners in parallel projects in the ongoing conceptualization of comparative perspectives on issues of genealogy as well as on the discussion of theoretical and methodological questions. As such, the willingness and ability to work in inter- and transdisciplinary contexts is a requirement.
Requirements
A university degree in a relevant field. PhD in a field relevant to the project (Japanese Studies, Buddhist Studies, East Asian Studies, Religious Studies or similar) should be either in hand or expected in the immediate future.
The successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency in the relevant languages listed above, as well as in English.
Application documents must include cover letter, CV, degree certificates, and a sample of scholarly work (such as journal contributions or thesis chapters) of up to 50 pages. Please include the names and contact information of two faculty that may provide a letter of reference if needed.
We Offer
- Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
- Continuing education opportunities
- University pensions
- Attractive location
- Flexible working hours
- Work-life balance opportunities
- Public transport pass (ProfiTicket) and much more
- Health management
- Educational leave
- 30 days of vacation per annum
As a University of Excellence, Universität Hamburg is one of the strongest research universities in Germany. As a flagship university in the greater Hamburg region, it nurtures innovative, cooperative contacts to partners within and outside academia. It also provides and promotes sustainable education, knowledge, and knowledge exchange locally, nationally, and internationally.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.
Instructions for Applying
Contact
Prof. Dr. Steffen Döll
steffen.doell@uni-hamburg.de
+49 40 42838-7201
Reference number: 138
Location
Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1
20146 Hamburg
Application Deadline: May 4th, 2023
Send your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificate[s], a sample of scholarly work (such as journal contributions or thesis chapters) of up to 50 pages, the names and contact information of two faculty that may provide a letter of reference if needed, and if necessary ID attesting to your disability or proof of equivalent status) via the online application form only.
If you experience technical problems, send an email to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de.
More information on data protection in selection procedures.
See the original posting and application form.
