Fachbereich Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften – Altertumswissenschaften Institut für Wissensgeschichte des Altertums/ ERC-Projekt ZODIAC – Ancient Astral Science in TransformationResearch assistant (praedoc) (m/f/d) with 65% part-time job limited to 3,5 years Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L FU Kennung: PhD_2_ZODIAC Bewerbungsende: 28.11.2022

The project “ZODIAC – Ancient Astral Science in Transformation” (ERC Advanced Grant No. 885478) investigates ancient astronomical and astrological practices in the wake of the introduction of the zodiac (ca. 400 BCE – 300 CE) through textual, tabular, iconographic and other sources from Babylonia, Egypt, the Greco-Roman world and beyond. The ZODIAC team is led by Principal Investigator Mathieu Ossendrijver (history of ancient science; Assyriology; astrophysics) and includes postdoctoral researchers in Assyriology, Egyptology, papyrology/classics and digital humanities. The project is hosted at the Institute for the History of Knowledge in the Ancient World of the Fachbereich History and Cultural Studies. The successful applicant will collaborate with Principal Investigator Mathieu Ossendrijver and the ZODIAC team to pursue a PhD project on the history of mathematical astronomy with a focus on the accuracy of astronomical computation in Babylonia and the Greco-Roman world. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in an exact science (astronomy, physics, mathematics, informatics) and a field of ancient philology (e.g., Assyriology; classics) or history of science. The PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment. The successful applicant will be based at ZODIAC and enrolled in the doctoral program Ancient Philosophy and History of Ancient Science (APhil/HistAS) of the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BERGSAS, www.berliner-antike-kolleg.org/en/bergsas).

Job description:
* complete a PhD project on ancient mathematical astronomy with a focus on the accuracy of astronomical computation
* participate in ZODIAC research meetings and contribute to the development of ZODIAC’s research infrastructure
* enroll in the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BERGSAS)
* present own research at conferences and workshops
* participate in the organisation of ZODIAC workshops, public outreach and social media activities related to the PhD project

Requirements:
Master’s degree in an exact science (e.g. astronomy, physics, mathematics, informatics) and/or an equivalent degree in another area relevant to the PhD project (history of science, Assyriology, classics, Egyptology)

Desirable:
* bachelor or master’s degree or documented skills in a relevant field of ancient philology (Assyriology; classics; papyrology; Demotic), cultural history, or history of knowledge of the ancient world.

* experience with or interest in astronomical computation, both ancient and modern
* very good analytical skills, relevant programming skills and academic writing skills
* ability to work independently, good communicative skills, and team spirit
* excellent English language skills (written and oral)
* strong motivation to complete a PhD dissertation in 3.5 years

Applications should include:
* cover letter
* complete curriculum vitae including list of publications if applicable
* relevant certificates and documentation of qualification
* exposé (max. 3 pages plus references) with an outline of the proposed dissertation project and research ideas
* writing samples (MA thesis, papers, and/or publications) totalling at least 20 pages
* names and contact details of two referees (those of shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide letters of recommendation)

Receipt of application will be acknowledged. Applicants will be notified by email as soon as a decision is made. Short-listed applicants will be invited to an on-campus or online interview. For more information on the project ZODIAC see https://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/en/e/zodiac/index.html .

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code, in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Herrn Prof. Dr. Mathieu Ossendrijver: wissensgeschichte@geschkult.fu-berlin.de or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin

Fachbereich Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften

Altertumswissenschaften

Institut für Wissensgeschichte des Altertums/

ERC-Projekt ZODIAC – Ancient Astral Science in Transformation

Herrn Prof. Dr. Mathieu Ossendrijver

Arnimallee 10

14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

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