The DFG PhD Research Training Group 1261 “Critical Junctures of Globalization” at the Centre for Area Studies (CAS) of the University of Leipzig is offering:

• 9 PhD positions (65% of a TVL E 13 post)  for the period 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2015
  
• 2 Postdoc positions (100 % of a TVL E 13 post)  for the period 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2014 
  

The PhD Research Training Group, which was established in 2006, is devoted to the interdisciplinary analysis of processes of globalization, with a focus on those places, moments and arenas in which new spatializations of social action are negotiated from the early 19th century to the present. The following disciplines are participating in the programme: African studies, cultural sociology, cultural studies of EastCentral Europe, global studies, history, human geography, Japanese studies, Oriental studies, political science and economics. 

During the next programme phase research will focus on the following core areas, with an emphasis on diachronic comparisons: 

1. The global synchronicity of political, cultural and economic crisis 
   
2.  Portals of globalization as zones of contact and compression of processes of globalization 
   
3. Actor-based strategies to deal with processes of deterritorialization and spatial reconfigurations 
   

For more details on the research programme see www.uni-leipzig.de/ral/gchuman, class: Critical 
Junctures of Globalization 

Applicants for PhD positions must include a cover letter and the following documents: proof of an above-average certificate of higher education (i.e. masters, Magister, etc.) that qualifies one for PhD studies; curriculum vitae; an exposé (3.000 words) for a PhD dissertation with reference to one of the above stated core research areas, including a description n of the state of the art and a feasible three-year working plan; two letters of reference. 

The postdoctoral positions fall under the first two core areas. Postdocs are expected to dedicate their work equally to their own empirical research and theoretical conclusions as well as to the integration of the research results coming from the dissertations. Please attach to your application a research proposal/habilitation proposal (1.000 words) relating to the core areas mentioned above as well as a list of your publications. Additionally, please include a curriculum vitae and two letters of reference.  

Applicants for a postdoctoral position have to fulfill the following requirements: 

• certificate of PhD dissertation completion as well as final mark 
  
• good knowledge of languages, especially English 
  
• willingness to work in an interdisciplinary research environment, to present at research seminars of PhD students, to participate in further events (summer schools, colloquia), and to collaborate in the training of PhD students, e.g. in the selection of comparative designs and methodologies for dissertation projects and in the preparation of the field research of the PhD students. 
  

Successful applicants are expected to reside in Leipzig. The PhD students are required to participate in a structured PhD qualification programme. Support for field research is based on DFG regulations. 

Applications from outside Germany are particularly  welcome. The University of Leipzig is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women to apply. In the case of similar qualifications  preference will be given to handicapped applicants. Applications should be mailed by 30 September 2011. 

Applications should be e-mailed as 1 pdf document to: bruchzonen@uni-leipzig.de and be posted without folders to:  

Prof. Dr. Ulf Engel, Spokesperson of the PhD Research Training Group 1261, Centre for Area Studies, Universität Leipzig, Postfach 100920, 04109 Leipzig .

(A note of thanks to Chambi Chachage for sharing this opportunity)