This position is to be filled as part of the DFG/AHRC-project „‚Werck der bücher‘ – Transitions, Experimentation, and Collaboration in Reprographic Technologies, 1440–1470“.
Work on this interdisciplinary project (Book Studies, History, Computer Science) will be pursued in a closely coordinated fashion at three locations (Mainz, Manchester, Erlangen). It will produce a study of the coexistence and collaboration of block books, experimental early forms of typographic printing and the fully developed standard model of typographic printing.
One goal is a study of the watermarks and paper stocks of single leaf prints up to 1470 that will contribute to the question of whether these technologies were employed by separate workshops competitively or in the same workshops, which would raise radically new questions regarding the specific advantages and uses of these technologies. This is accompanied by an analysis of every edition produced with movable type between 1440 and 1470. Practical experiments on variance in type founding and printing and new analysis methods based on pattern recognition will help understand if very early prints – particularly those using the DK-type – were already produced using the standard model of punch and matrix or if one must assume a precursor technology.
The department of Book Studies within the Gutenberg Institute for World Literature and Written Media at the JGU Mainz is responsible both for the practical experiments and the development and application of the patternrecognition-based methods in collaboration with the Pattern Recognition Lab at FAU Erlangen.
The place of work is Mainz. A willingness to travel to Manchester and Cambridge is expected.
Your tasks:
- Research and Participation in the DFG/AHRC Project „‚Werck der bücher‘ – Transitions, Experimentation, and Collaboration in Reprographic Technologies, 1440–1470“
- Conceptual and practical collaboration in the development of new methods for analytical bibliography
- Organisation and execution of practical experiments on the durability and deformation of type
- Preparation of the project’s monograph, assistance with publications in relevant journals and for scientific presentations
- Coordination of the Mainz part of the project with the partners in Erlangen and Manchester
Your profile:
In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in paragraph 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland-Palatinate.
- A university degree completed with above-average success in humanities or social sci-ence.
- Experience in work with rare books
- Good knowledge of early print
- Experience in Analytical Bibliography, par-ticularly type identification
- Willingness to get involved with digital methods
- Good knowledge of the English language
What we have to offer:
- Support of your own academic qualification according to the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz
- Responsibility for a field of activity with a large transformative potential
- Jobticket, optional for the entire Rhine-Main area
- Extensive human resources development offer
- Flexible working time arrangements
The position is paid according to EG 13 TV-L and to be filled as soon as possible. The position is, subject to financing approval, temporary for a fixed term of 3 years. JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with varied backgrounds. We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply. Candidates with severe disabilities and appropriate qualifications will be given priority.
Apply:
Please send your complete application as one pdf file (stating the Identification No. 13221-05-wiss-ml) until January 15th, 2022 to: weichsel@uni-mainz.de.
For questions and further information please contact:
Dr. Nikolaus Weichselbaumer
Tel.: +496131 39–23180
E-Mail: weichsel@uni-mainz.de