The Center for Jewish Studies Heidelberg (Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg ) is offering a job position for a

Research Fellow "Jewish Studies / Masorah Research"

(E 13 100 percent; fixed-term employment; start: December 1, 2021, long-Term Project (12 years; 2018–2029))

Corpus Masoreticum: The Inculturation of the Masorah into Jewish Law and Lore from the 11th to the 13th Centuries: Digital Acquisition of a Forgotten Domain of Knowledge is funded by the German Research Foundation and kicked off in 2018 at Heidelberg’s Center for Jewish Studies. The aim of this project is to edit, document, and annotate the Western European (Ashkenazic) Masorah tradition of the 11th through 13th centuries, which differs from the oriental Masorah with respect to its philological content, layout, and mise-en-texte (masora figurata). The project's philological work has been integrated into a digital work environment from the get-go (BIMA 2.0. Biblical Masorah database). The first results of the project are documented here:
- https://www.corpusmasoreticum.de
- http://bima2.corpusmasoreticum.de/manuscripts
- https://t1p.de/BIMA-Video1
- https://t1p.de/BIMA-Video2.
- Philology and Aesthetics. Figurative Masorah in Western European Manuscripts (Judentum und Umwelt / Realms of Judaism 85), edited by Hanna Liss, Berlin a.o. 2021.

The PI, Prof. Dr. Hanna Liss, is looking for an exceptionally qualified research fellow (postdoc) who is willing to contribute his/her specialist competencies to this project. To be considered, you must have:

- completed a dissertation in Biblical and/or Jewish Studies
- very good knowledge of Hebrew and Aramaic
- in-depth knowledge of cultural and literary theories pertaining to Western European medieval Jewish culture
- a willingness to familiarize yourself with Masorah research
- the capacity to work as part of a team
- experience with project research

Part of the job will consist of:

- the edition, translation, and annotation of the Masorah (masora magna; masora parva) in selected Ashkenazi Bible codices from the 11th to the 13th centuries
- further development of the project
- communication of your research and results within the project, as well as within the framework of the teaching and research activities of Heidelberg's Center for Jewish Studies
- preparation for and contribution to conferences and workshops organized by the project

The Center for Jewish Studies Heidelberg offers opportunities for individual academic development and an inspiring research environment. The conception and commencement of a habilitation at the University of Heidelberg is possible as part of the project. All employees have the opportunity to teach as part of the courses offered by Heidelberg's Center for Jewish Studies and the University of Heidelberg, as well as the freedom to undergo further training in teaching and science communication. Our qualification concept also includes opportunities for international networking, which the young scientists can take advantage of by participating in workshops by visiting scientists on site and through their own lectures and conference trips. The project's language of choice, including for publications, is English.

You will be paid a TV-L (E13) salary; the duration of your contract will initially be limited to 36 months, but may be extended for further project phases (conditional on output, and depending on whether the project is prolonged after it has been evaluated).

The position can be split between two people. Applicants with disabilities who possess essentially equal qualifications will be preferred. The Center for Jewish Studies Heidelberg is an equal-opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity and explicitly encourages women to apply.

Please electronically submit the following application documents (as one PDF file):

- Application letter (letter of motivation)
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications and list of courses taught
- Degree certificates
- A sample of your written work (approximate length: 10–12 pages)

A letter of recommendation, to be emailed directly by the referrer to hanna.liss@hfjs.eu. Please submit your complete application, in English or German, to hanna.liss@hfjs.eu and hanna.liss@corpusmasoreticum.de no later than September 17, 2021. Letters of recommendation should arrive no later than October 8, 2021.