Mecila (Maria Sibylla Merian International Centre for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences Conviviality-Inequality in Latin America) is a joint project of the following German and Latin American research institutions: Freie Universität Berlin (coordination); Ibero-Amerikanisches Institut (Berlin); Universität zu Köln (Cologne); Universidade de São Paulo and Centro Brasileiro de Análise e Planejamento (São Paulo); Instituto de Investigaciones en Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales (Universidad Nacional de La Plata/Conicet, La Plata); and El Colegio de México (Mexico City).

Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and established in São Paulo in April 2017, the Centre constitutes and coordinates an international research network that focuses on the co-constitution of conviviality and inequality from an interdisciplinary perspective. Research at the Centre addresses the processes of negotiation, legitimation, transformation, and representation of existing hierarchies as they take place in everyday interactions and within institutions. A general outline of the Centre’s research programme is available on our website.

The Centre cordially invites two Senior and two Junior Fellows to apply for a Thematic Fellowship on Mecila’s Annual Theme 2025 Relationalities to work at the Centre in São Paulo for the duration of six months (during the period from 01 March 2025 – 30 November 2025). Fellows are expected to commit fulltime to their proposed research activities at the Centre and engage in dialogue and exchange with the other Thematic Fellowship holders. For the duration of the fellowship, Fellows will normally receive a monthly allowance, depending on individual circumstances and taking other forms of income before and during the fellowship into account. Alternatively, the fellowship can be used to finance a temporary replacement (buy-out).

Requirements

To promote international, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational exchange, the Thematic Junior Fellows should hold a PhD degree in the humanities or social sciences obtained within the last 5 years from the date of application. Their ambitious and innovative research project should clearly enhance the applicant’s career prospects.

The Thematic Senior Fellows should hold a senior position at a university or research institution, or comparable qualifications and experience. Scholars must be internationally recognised for having a significant impact on their field of research.

All Thematic Fellows should have

- Excellent command of the English language
- Ability to and interest in actively engaging in an international and interdisciplinary research environment
- Ability and interest to make an intellectual contribution to Mecila’s subject areas. A track record of research and publications on Mecila’s Annual Theme 2025 Relationalities and the overall research profile of the project

Responsibilities

- The Thematic Fellows conduct six months (between 01 March 2025 – 30 November 2025) of research to study the impacts of Relationalities in past or present configurations and regimes of conviviality-inequality.
- They make an intellectual contribution to the overall research profile of the project.
- They participate actively in the Centre’s activities (including the weekly colloquia) and engages in interdisciplinary exchange with other Thematic Fellows.
- Each Thematic Fellow contributes a Working Paper to the Mecila’s Working Paper Series.
- They contribute at least once together with another Thematic Fellowship holder to the Centre’s outreach activities (interview, blog entry, video, public lecture, policy paper, etc.)

Application

Applicants are invited to fill in the Application Form linked below and send the following documents in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, using the link provided on the Form, in a single pdf-attachment no later than 15 February 2024:

- Motivation letter (max. 500 words)
- Research outline discussing the research question and the scholarly added value of the project (max. 1.500 words)
- Abstract (max. 150 words)
- Key words (max. 5 )
- Work plan detailing how the proposed project will be realised during the stay at the Centre
- Curriculum Vitae, including lists of publications of all four group members
Junior Fellows only: Two recent writing samples: journal article (published or forthcoming), book chapter, or thesis chapter

To access the Application Form, please use the following link: https://uni.koeln/G3VE7

Selection Criteria

Applications for the Thematic Fellowship will be submitted to a peer-review process. The primary selection criterion is the applicant’s potential to yield original and excellent research results and make a substantial, innovative contribution to the research profile of Mecila. The scientific merit of the project will be assessed in terms of its originality, the importance of the scientific questions addressed, and its relevance to study Relationalities in the context of conviviality-inequality. An appropriate methodology, a feasible work plan and relevant deliverables will also be part of the assessment.

Final decisions will be taken by Mecila’s Executive Board, in close consultation with its Advisory Board and Ethics Committee, aiming at disciplinary and gender balance as well as intersectional equity and an adequate regional representation. We aim to inform the applicants of the selection results by 30 June 2024.

For further inquiries regarding the Fellowship or the application process, please refer to our FAQ available at Mecila’s website. In case of further questions please contact Mecila’s Coordination Office in São Paulo via e-mail (mecila@cebrap.org.br).

By applying to this scholarship you consent that we use the information and data you provide for the selection and granting process.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and established in São Paulo in April 2017, Mecila cordially invites postdoctoral researchers who work on Narratives of Urban Conviviality-Inequality at the intersection to the arts and/or activism to apply for a Fellowship with a special interest in knowledge dialogue and transfer. Successful applicants are expected to contribute to the understanding of the narrative dimension of particularly urban conviviality-inequality, a research dimension that is particularly prominent in one of Mecila’s Research Areas – [Hi]Stories of Conviviality. They are expected to conclude their fellowship with a transfer workshop with relevant actors from the arts and/or activism, which they prepare during their fellowship. Beyond this, they participate in an international research network that focuses on the co-constitution of conviviality and inequality from an interdisciplinary perspective. Accordingly, the Centre addresses the processes of negotiation, legitimation, transformation, and representation of existing hierarchies as they take place in everyday interactions and within institutions. A general outline of the Centre’s research programme is available on our website.

Mecila will award 1 Urban Narratives Fellowship to an excellent early-career scholar who has obtained their doctoral degree in the humanities or social sciences. They have to show a solid foundation in collaborative research. The duration of each Fellowship is 3-5 months (to be taken up between 1 March to 30 November) at the seat of Mecila in São Paulo. Fellows are expected to commit full-time to their proposed research activities at the Centre and obtain a relevant, purpose bound budget to lead in organizing a two- to three-day transfer workshop within the Research Area [Hi]Stories to which they can invite two or three of their collaboration partners. Free-lance collaborators will be remunerated for their active contributions to the workshop and travel expenses will be paid by the Centre. The workshop can be held in São Paulo or Cologne and involve the interested, relevant public. For the duration of the Fellowship, fellows will normally receive a monthly allowance, depending on individual circumstances and taking other forms of income before and during the fellowship into account. Alternatively, a temporary replacement at their home institution can be financed (buy-out).

Requirements

- A PhD degree in the humanities or social sciences obtained within the last 5 years from the date of application
- A track record of training, research, and /or publications in Mecila’s subject areas
- A clear dedication to, and prior experience of working at the intersection of research and the arts or activism
- Excellent command of the English language
- Ability to and interest in actively participating in an international, interdisciplinary, and collective research environment
- An ambitious and innovative project at the intersection of research and art/activism that will enhance the applicant’s career prospects and the transfer into wider society.

Responsibilities

- Develop independent research project of relevance to the Narratives of Urban Convivialtiy-Inequality within the Research Area [Hi]Stories of Mecila
- Lead in the preparation and organization of a transfer activity in São Paulo, Brazil, or Cologne, Germany, together with members of the Research Area [Hi]Stories and two or three of their collaboration partners in the arts and/or activism.
- Participate actively in the Centre’s activities (including the weekly colloquia) and engage in interdisciplinary exchange

Application

Applicants must fill in the Application Form linked below and send the following documents in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, using the link provided on the Form, in a single pdf-attachment no later than 15 February 2024:

- Motivation letter (max. 500 words)
- Outline of Research Project and Transfer Workshop, describing current research and envisioned contribution to the Centre (max. 1.500 words)
- Abstract (max. 150 words)
- Keywords (max. 5)
- Work plan detailing how the project will be realised during the stay at the Centre in São Paulo, including a list of relevant potential participants in the arts/activism
- Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications
- Two recent samples of their work at the intersection of research and arts/activism

To access the Application Form, please use the following link: https://uni.koeln/G3VE7

Selection criteria

Applications from prospective Fellows will be submitted to a peer-review process. The primary selection criterion is the applicant’s potential to yield original and excellent research and transfer activities through a Mecila Urban Narratives Fellowship. In a committee of researchers and in consultation with an artist/activist, the merit of the project will be assessed in terms of its originality, the importance of the scientific and societal questions addressed, and its relevance to Mecila and wider society. An appropriate concept and a feasible timeframe will also be part of the assessment. Final decisions will be taken by Mecila’s Executive Board, in close consultation with its Advisory Board, aiming at disciplinary and gender balance as well as intersectional equity and an adequate regional representation. We aim to inform the applicants of the selection results by 30 June 2024.

For further inquiries regarding the Fellowship or the application process, please refer to our FAQ available at Mecila’s website. In case of further questions please contact Mecila’s Coordination Team in Cologne via e-mail (mecila@uni-koeln.de).

By applying to this Fellowship, you consent that we use the information you provide for the Fellowship process.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and established in São Paulo in April 2017, Mecila cordially invites experienced scholars to apply for its Senior Fellowships. Successful applicants are expected to participate in a plural international research network that focuses on the co-constitution of conviviality and inequality from an interdisciplinary perspectives. Accordingly, the Centre addresses the processes of negotiation, legitimation, transformation, and representation of existing hierarchies as they take place in everyday interactions and within institutions. The Centre encourages proposals focused on theoretical and/or or empirical research using a wide range of methods and sources. A general outline of the Centre’s research programme is available on our website.

Mecila will award 5 Senior Fellowships to selected candidates. The duration of each Fellowship is 9 months (from 1 March to 30 November). Fellows are expected to commit fulltime to their proposed research activities at the Centre. Remuneration depends on individual circumstances.

Requirements

- A senior position at a university or research institution, or comparable qualifications. Scholars must be internationally recognised for having a significant impact on their field of research.
- A track record of research and publications on Mecila’s subject areas
- Excellent command of the English language
- Ability to and interest in actively engaging in and creating an intellectual community in a diverse international and interdisciplinary research environment

Responsibilities

- Develop an independent research project in the field of conviviality-inequality, making a contribution to the project’s Research Areas
- Participate actively in the Centre’s activities (including the weekly colloquia) and engage in interdisciplinary exchange
- Present and discuss scientific research results within and outside the Centre
- Contribute at least one paper to Mecila’s Working Paper Series
- Contribute at least one outreach activity (interview, blog entry, video, public lecture, policy paper, etc.)

Application

Applicants must send the following documents in English, Spanish or Portuguese, using the link provided on the Form, in a single pdf-attachment no later than 15 February 2024 .

- Motivation letter (max. 500 words)
- Research outline describing current research and envisioned contribution
- to the Centre (max. 1.500 words)
- Abstract (max. 150 words)
- Keywords (max. 5)
- Work plan detailing how the proposed project will be realized during the stay at the Centre
- Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications

To access the Application Form, please use the following link: https://uni.koeln/G3VE7

Selection criteria

Applications from prospective Senior Fellows will be submitted to a peer-review process. The primary selection criterion is the applicant’s potential to yield original and excellent research results through a Mecila Senior Fellowship. The scientific merit of the project will be assessed in terms of its originality, the importance of the scientific questions addressed, and its relevance to Mecila. An appropriate methodology and a feasible timeframe will also be part of the assessment. Final decisions will be taken by Mecila’s Executive Board, in close consultation with its Advisory Board and Ethics Committee, aiming at disciplinary and gender balance as well as intersectional equity and an adequate regional representation. We aim to inform the applicants of the selection results by 30 June 2024.

For further inquiries regarding the Fellowship or the application process, please refer to our FAQ available at Mecila’s website. In case of further questions please contact Mecila’s Coordination Office in São Paulo via e-mail (mecila@cebrap.org.br).

By applying to this Fellowship you consent that we use the information you provide for the Fellowship process.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and established in São Paulo in April 2017, Mecila cordially invites postdoctoral scholars from any discipline to apply for its Junior Fellowships. Successful applicants are expected to participate in a plural international research network that focuses on the co-constitution of conviviality and inequality from interdisciplinary perspectives. Accordingly, the Centre addresses the processes of negotiation, legitimation, transformation, and representation of existing hierarchies as they take place in everyday interactions and within institutions. The Centre encourages proposals focused on theoretical and/or empirical research using a wide range of methods and sources. A general outline of the Centre’s research programme is available on our website.

Mecila will award 4 Junior Fellowships to excellent early-career scholars who have obtained their doctoral degree in the humanities or social sciences. The duration of each Fellowship is 9 months (from 1 March to 30 November). Fellows are expected to commit fulltime to their proposed research activities at the Centre. For the duration of the Fellowship, fellows will normally receive a monthly allowance, depending on individual circumstances and taking other forms of income before and during the fellowship into account.

Requirements

- A PhD degree in the humanities or social sciences obtained within the last 5 years from the date of application
- A track record of training, research, and /or publications in Mecila’s subject areas
- Excellent command of the English language by the time the Fellowship begins
- Ability to and interest in actively engaging in and creating an intellectual community in a diverse international and interdisciplinary research environment
- An ambitious and innovative research project of relevance to Mecila that will enhance the applicant’s career prospects

Responsibilities

- Develop an independent research project within the field of conviviality-inequality, making a contribution to the project’s Research Areas
- Participate actively in the Centre’s activities (including the weekly colloquia) and engage in interdisciplinary exchange
- Present and discuss scientific research results within and outside the Centre
- Contribute to external funding applications
- Contribute at least one paper to Mecila’s Working Paper Series
- Contribute at least one outreach activity (interview, blog entry, video, public lecture, policy briefing, etc.)

Application

Applicants must fill in the Application Form linked below and send the following documents in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, using the link provided on the Form, in a single pdf-attachment no later than 15 February 2024:

- Motivation letter (max. 500 words)
- Research outline describing current research and envisioned
- contribution to the Centre (max. 1.500 words)
- Abstract (max. 150 words)
- Keywords (max. 5)
- Work plan detailing how the proposed project will be realized during the stay at the Centre
- Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications
- Two recent writing samples: journal article (published or forthcoming), book chapter, or thesis chapter

To access the Application Form, please use the following link: https://uni.koeln/G3VE7

Selection criteria

Applications from prospective Junior Fellows will be submitted to a peer-review process. The primary selection criterion is the applicant’s potential to yield original and excellent research results through a Mecila Junior Fellowship. The academic merit of the project will be assessed in terms of its originality, the importance of the scientific questions addressed, and its relevance to Mecila. An appropriate methodology and a feasible timeframe will also be part of the assessment. Final decisions will be taken by Mecila’s Executive Board, in close consultation with its Advisory Board and Ethics Committee, aiming at disciplinary and gender balance as well as intersectional equity and an adequate regional representation. We aim to inform the applicants of the selection results by 30 June 2024.

For further inquiries regarding the Fellowship or the application process, please refer to our FAQ available at Mecila’s website. In case of further questions please contact Mecila’s Coordination Office in São Paulo via e-mail (mecila@cebrap.org.br).

By applying to this Fellowship you consent that we use the information you provide for the Fellowship process.