The Käte Hamburger Kolleg “Dynamics in the History of Religions between Asia and Europe” at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, invites applications for:

Research fellowships for scholars, who are working on some aspect of

the evolving of the distinction between transcendence and immanence as triggered by intra- and interreligious encounter

during the academic year October 2016 - September 2017.

It is a common opinion that the complementary concepts of transcendence and immanence and their interplay seem to be fruitful cornerstones for examining religion in intercultural comparison. Therefore, the crucial question is how the distinction of transcendence/immanence can be developed for research especially with regard to comparative settings and how this distinction can be used practically as a tertium comparationis for material-based research. The main focus shall be on the evolving process of religion that is steered by the distinction of transcendence/immanence. Connected to this focus the interplay between basic concepts of transcendence shall be analysed (as for example the deictic division between ‘here’ and ‘there’), as well as the turning point, at which basic concepts of transcendence are developed further into specifically religious concepts of transcendence. Our guiding assumption is that this point of change is essentially influenced by interreligious encounter.
All approaches are welcome, particularly those that challenge our assumptions. The most successful applicants will present projects which address the intersection of concepts of transcendence and immanence and religious encounter, primarily within and between Asia and Europe.

What we can offer:
- time and space for research in an high-quality interdisciplinary environment;
- up to EURO 70,000 (seventy thousand gross rate) for 12 months fellowship as a grant or as a salary for the fellow’s substitute at her/his home institution;
- excellent infrastructure (location of Bochum Campus in Germany, libraries, inter-library loan etc.);
- approved travel expenses related to research activities;
- means for organizing congresses or workshops, subject to approval.

What we expect:
- research relating to the senses in intra- and inter-religious encounter;
- your residence and regular presence during the fellowship term;
- your committed participation in the activities of the Käte Hamburger Kolleg;
- substantial research results in the form of publications.

Requirements:
Applicants must at least hold a Ph.D.

Application:
Ruhr-Universität Bochum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women and members of minorities to apply. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, a current CV, including a list of publications, and an exposé of the intended research (approximately 5 pages). Application materials should be submitted by e-mail only. Please send your application before September 15, 2015 to ceres-khk-fellowapplication@rub.de

Further Information:
For further more detailed information about the program of the Käte Hamburger Kolleg “Dynamics in the History of Religions” visit http://khk.ceres.rub.de/en/research/fellowships