The newly established Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (Kolleg-Forschungsgruppe, KFG) ‘Universalism and Particularism in European Contemporary History’ at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is seeking to appoint its first cohort of three
JUNIOR FELLOWSHIPS
with a research focus on religion/secularity in contemporary European history. Applications with other research topics, connected to the overall topic of the KFG, are welcome. Future Calls for Junior Fellowships in other fields will be following every semester.
The preferred starting date is 1 April 2023.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Centres for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (Kolleg-Forschungsgruppen, KFG), funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) are interdisciplinary research groups with exceptional funding conditions. They have an initial funding period of four years, with the possibility of prolongation for a second funding period, and offer an international fellowship programme, which allows a large number of leading experts to convene and explore an innovative research topic over a long period of time.
The KFG ‘Universalism and Particularism’ investigates universalist and particularist models of order in European contemporary history from the 1970s to the present. Universalist claims aim at universally applicable rules, the demand for which, however, usually follows concrete interests. In contrast, particularist models reject any general claim and justify guiding principles that are oriented towards the construction of individual or group-related needs. The KFG research program focuses on economic, religious/secular and human rights regimes, and poses the question how universalist and particularist claims were constructed in contemporary history and how political-social change was conceived, justified, promoted or even prevented with them. The aim of the KFG is to gain a better understanding of the complexity of the transition and the overlaying of universalist and particularist concepts in European contemporary history.
THE RESEARCH FOCUS 'RELIGION AND SECULARITY'
In the summer semester 2023, the KFG examines religious and secular regimes. Religious concepts are used for both universalist and particularist designs. The research focus analyses religious and secular models of order, based on the presumption of their ambivalence and openness to interpretation. It is especially interested in those religious or secular concepts that have gained political relevance in recent contemporary history, e.g. in the transformation of East (Central) European societies after 1989, the global financial crisis or in view of worldwide migration. At the same time, the research project is interested in intersections of religion and particularist ideologies such as nationalism.
During the research stay in Munich, Junior Fellows will have the opportunity to exchange with the KFG directors Martin Schulze Wessel, Kiran Patel and Andreas Wirsching, as well as the Senior Fellows Marta Bucholc, José Casanova, Hans Joas, Nadieszda Kizenko, Alexander Libman, Hélène Miard-Delacroix, Zdeněk Nešpor, and Angelika Nußberger.
FELLOWSHIPS
The KFG is seeking to appoint its first cohort of three Junior Research Fellows for the summer semester 2023, i.e. for the period from April to September 2023. Fellowships are awarded for 3-6 months. We offer a stipend and a rent subsidy on a monthly basis, as well as travel costs to and from Munich at the beginning and end of the fellowship. Fellows are expected to engage in their individual research on universalism and particularism in contemporary European history, focusing on religious/secular regimes, and to actively participate in the KFG’s weekly colloquia. The Junior Fellows are also expected to organize a workshop in Munich in May 2023 on religion and secularity in cooperation with the KFG team.
Requirements
- Applicants must have a PhD in a respective field.
- The working languages of the KFG are English and German, therefore excellent spoken and written knowledge of one of the languages is required.
- Regular presence at the KFG in Munich is obligatory.
The KFG offers:
- Participation in an interdisciplinary, innovative und prestigious DFG-funded joint research project;
- Access to extensive international networks of high-profile researchers in the social sciences and humanities;
- An open-minded, cooperative team;
- Flexible working hours and family-friendly working time schemes;
- A fully equipped workplace.
Applications should include:
- Cover letter describing the applicant’s career path and current research interests;
- CV including list of publications;
- Outline of the planned research project and how it relates to the agenda of the KFG (max. 3 pages);
- Work sample (2-3 publications);
- Names and contact details of two potential referees.
The latest submission date for applications is November 30, 2022. The preferred starting date is 1 April 2023.
Please note that costs arising in connection with your application (travel expenses, etc.) cannot be reimbursed.
In its pursuit of academic excellence, LMU 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. LMU is a family-friendly employer and is also responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Applications must be sent in ONE pdf file to Lena Lopatschowa (KFG research coordinator):
lena.lopatschow@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
For further information about the KFG, please visit: https://www.geschichte.uni-muenchen.de/z_gs/kfg-engl/index.html