The Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology is one of the leading centres for research in social anthropology. Common to all research projects at the Institute is the comparative analysis of social change; it is primarily in this domain that its researchers contribute to anthropological theory, though many programmes also have applied significance and political topicality.
The Department ‘Anthropology of Economic Experimentation’ is offering
A Postdoc position (m/f/d)
in Common Concerns and Chinese Thought
(starting as early as possible after 1 January 2025)
Background
The Department ‘Anthropology of Economic Experimentation’ is seeking a researcher with the highest potential to advance the anthropology of common concerns in dialogue with Chinese intellectual traditions.
As the shared style of thinking that defines the department, the common concerns approach identifies research questions according to the concerns that people are grappling with in their everyday lives (including those that are not clearly articulated), collects data through back-and-forth conversations and the exchange of ideas (instead of one-way information extraction), and delivers analyses that will assist the research subjects and other publics to clarify their situations for themselves. In developing this approach, the department has been experimenting with bringing together anthropology, political economy, philosophy, and psychology (including psychoanalysis and affect theory), and is currently interested in more actively incorporating classical and contemporary Chinese thought.
We seek a researcher who will carry out his/her own research along the common concerns approach, and will help to inform other researchers in the department by drawing on theories, concepts, perspectives, and expressions from Chinese intellectual traditions, broadly construed to include explicitly developed philosophies, social theories, and thought on medicine, art, and folk religion. In doing so, the successful candidate will work with colleagues to interpret their ethnographic data in a new light, and enrich our ongoing dialogue with the more established social theories that are primarily based on European traditions and experiences.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Carry out his/her own primary research, aiming at impactful publications.
Facilitate exchanges with scholars in China.
Actively participate in departmental discussions and the development of a common concerns approach.
We encourage public-facing research with the capacity to engage public debate. We do not necessarily expect the researcher to propose a new research project, as we encourage the reconceptualization and development of existing research through the common concerns approach. Applicants should be committed to broad conceptualization beyond particular case studies, and to developing analysis that is both intellectually deep and publicly relevant. The department will support supplementary field research, public engagement, and participation in conferences.
Your Profile
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in social science or humanities, or submit evidence indicating that such a dissertation will be successfully completed before the designated starting date. The dissertation must be based on qualitative (or mixed) research methods and address contemporary social issues. Applicants should be familiar with intellectual traditions of China and have a nearly-native level in the Chinese language as well as an excellent command of English.
Our Offer
The postdoctoral position will be for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years. Employment will be on a full-time contractual basis. Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD, level E13). The workplace is Halle (Saale), a dynamic, historical town in central Germany (Sachsen-Anhalt) that is home to the renowned Martin Luther University and numerous scientific institutions. Our modern campus is in a quiet, picturesque neighbourhood near the centre of town.
The Max Planck Society is committed to raising the proportion of women in science; we thus explicitly encourage applications from female researchers. Individuals with disabilities will be given priority, assuming equal qualifications.
Contact
Please submit your application electronically by 31 October 2024 following the link for vacancies on our homepage (under ‘Career’), or by going directly to the online application form using the link below.
CV, including list of publications
2 writing samples (chapter or article length)
1-2 page summary of Ph.D. thesis
project proposal (2000 words) for how you will contribute to the developing of a common concerns approach, drawing on your own research as well as Chinese, Western, and other intellectual traditions. You should also indicate which Chinese intellectual traditions or concepts you will be in dialogue with, and why.
copies of university degrees
names and contact information for two referees
Informal enquiries concerning the positions may be directed to office.xiang@eth.mpg.de.
If you have any questions about the application, please contact:
Human resources management
Nadine Wagenbrett (wagenbrett@eth.mpg.de)
We look forward to receiving your completed online application under:
https://recruitingapp-5034.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/502/Application/New/2
Further information on the research agenda of the Max Planck Institute is available on our website: https://www.eth.mpg.de
