PhD Position in European Space History

The DFG-funded Emmy Noether research group “The Future in the Stars: European Astroculture and Extraterrestrial Life in the Twentieth Century” at the Friedrich-Meinecke-Institut of Freie Universität Berlin invites applications for a two-year PhD position. Salary grade accords to E 13 TV-L (50 %).

Candidates should have completed their post-graduate studies in History or Cultural Studies with specialization in History of Science, History of Technology, Cultural History or Art History by the time the appointment begins. Applicants should be fluent in English. The ability to work in German would be an asset. Applicants without any knowledge of German are expected, if appointed, to acquire within one year a sufficient level of proficiency.

The successful candidate will be expected to conceptualize and compose a dissertation that is related to the research field of the group. Furthermore, she/he will be actively engaged in all activities relevant to the research group including the organization and realization of workshops and conferences as well as the participation in its operation and activities.

Applicants are asked to outline a proposed dissertation project related to the History of European Astroculture in the twentieth century that they wish to realize as members of Emmy Noether research group “The Future in the Stars: European Astroculture and Extraterrestrial Life in the 20th Century” at the Friedrich-Meinecke-Institut of the Freie Universität Berlin.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a recent curriculum vitae, a list of publications (if any), copies of all relevant academic certificates and transcripts, a research proposal of no more than 3000 words, and names and contact information for two academic references. Applications (marked 05-FMI-2013-Geppert) should be addressed to Freie Universität Berlin, Fachbereich Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften, Friedrich-Meinecke-Institut, Dr. Alexander C.T. Geppert, Koserstr. 20, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.

Application deadline is August, 20th 2013. Interviews will be held in mid-September.

Women and minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply. If equally qualified, persons with severe disabilities will be preferred. Unfortunately, travel expenses cannot be reimbursed. Since application files will not be returned to applicants, original documents must not be included. Electronic submissions will not be considered.

Queries about the position should be directed to Dr. Alexander Geppert, head of the junior research group, at alexander.geppert@fu-berlin.de. Prospective applicants are invited to consult www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/astrofuturism for further information.