Two-year postdoctoral position at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) in Berlin

The Research Group “Astral Sciences in Trans-Regional Asia” (ASTRA) at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) in Berlin is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar for a two-year position.


We welcome applications from historians of astral sciences, with a particular interest in scholars specializing in South or Central Asia. However, researchers working on other geographical regions are also strongly encouraged to apply.


Required Qualifications:

  • Education: Ph.D. in Indology, Classical and Medieval Studies (with a focus on Eurasia), History and Philosophy of Science, or a closely related field.
  • Language Proficiency:
    • Near-native proficiency in English (written and spoken).
    • Fluency in at least one classical Eurasian language (e.g., Sanskrit, Farsi, Arabic, Tamil, classical Tibetan, classical Mongolian, Chinese).
    • Good knowledge of a project-related vernacular (or modern) language (e.g., Hindi, Tibetan, Russian).
  • Research Expertise:
    • Proven expertise in the study of manuscript cultures related to Eurasia.
    • Proven experience in philological research with primary sources (manuscripts) in at least one of the specified languages.
  • Skills:
    • Strong organizational and leadership skills, including experience in planning and conducting archive visits to acquire manuscripts.

Applications must be received by April 13, 2025 (23:59 CEST).

For details and application instructions, please visit: https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/job-position/postdoctoral-scholar-astra-research-group.

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