About:Giessen Universitys International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC), co-funded by the German federal government‘s Excellence Initiative, offers a three-year, structured PhD-programme in the study of culture. With its excellent research environment, a doctoral programme which is tailored to the needs of PhD students and the intensive personal support it provides, the Graduate Centre offers doctoral researchers optimum conditions for their PhD-projects and custom-made preparation for the time thereafter, both with regard to academic and non-academic careers.
The GCSC invites applications for one of the
up to 13 PhD scholarships
available, which are funded by the Excellence Initiative as well as Justus Liebig University Giessen.
The PhD scholarship period starts on October 1, 2016 and includes a monthly stipend of approximately € 1,468 (plus family allowances when applicable). Scholarships are offered for one year with the possibility of two extensions, each of one year. The GCSC supports young researchers with families: appointees with children under the age of twelve are eligible for renewals of up to four years.
Acceptance of a scholarship requires participation in the study programme and wide-ranging events offered by the GCSC, as well as active involvement in at least one Research Area and one other GCSC/GGK research group. Doctoral members of the GCSC must register as PhD students at the Justus Liebig University. There are no tuition fees for doctoral students at the JLU, except for an enrolment fee of approximately € 300 per semester. All scholarship holders are expected to assume residency in or near Giessen.
The GCSC offers a research-intensive environment and comprehensive, multi-tier supervision at all stages of a dissertation project via, e.g. interdisciplinary research colloquia and professional support in preparing academic papers and conferences. The GCSC Teaching Centre offers systematic qualification in higher education teaching; opportunities to teach at the BA level are available.
Eligibility: We invite applications from students who graduated with excellent marks (from two-year research-track master‘s programmes in one of the GCSC‘s academic subjects* or the arts/humanities, cultural studies or social sciences no longer than two years ago as well as from students who expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours M.A. degree (or the equivalent).
The GCSC encourages applications which make a significant contribution to the study of culture in various historical contexts, including contemporary phenomena. An international research perspective, i.e. international study experience, is an advantage. The GCSC‘s working languages are German and English, and applicants must be fluent in at least one of them; knowledge of both is an advantage and should be acquired during the scholarship period.
The GCSC focuses its research within the following Research Areas*: Research Area 1: Cultural Memory Studies | Research Area 2: Cultural Narratologies | Research Area 3: Cultural Transformation and Performativity Studies | Research Area 4: Visual and Material Culture Studies | Research Area 5: Media and Multiliteracy Studies | Research Area 6: Cultural Identities | Research Area 7: Global Studies and Politics of Space | Research Area 8: Cultures of Knowledge, Research and Education.
In addition, the GCSC has established research groups organized around „emerging topics” that are expected to contribute to the research profile by establishing and strengthening links to neighbouring disciplines as well as to emerging topics in contemporary public discourse. Thus far, Emerging Topic Groups have been established on „Ecology”, „Migration” and „Religion”
How to apply
First Stage - current deadline: 02 February 2016
- a 1-2 page cover letter, explaining your motives for applying at the GCSC;
- a short abstract of your research project (approx. 500 words), including the title of your project and a brief outline of the methodology you will use;
- a curriculum vitae.
- Please compile one single PDF-document containing all of the above documents (1-2 pp. cover letter, abstract, and CV). This document should then be labeled according to the following format: Lastname_Firstname.pdf.
- Once you have created the PDF-file, please fill in our online application form (due to technical difficulties please try not to use any special characters when filling out the application form). You can then upload your PDF-file as a part of the online form and submit your application by pressing the “send” button. You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application. Should you not receive this email, please check your spam filter before resending your application form.
- In addition, we require two letters of recommendation provided by university professors. Please make sure that these references reach the GCSC by the announced deadline.
2nd Stage
- Copies of your school and university diplomas
- A dissertation-project proposal that includes an overview of the current state of research pertaining to the topic, your main research questions and methodology as well as a selected bibliography. Please make clear the extend to which your research project contributes to the GCSC’s research profile. Your proposal should not exceed 10 pages (excluding bibliography).
- A detailed schedule describing the specific stages of your work over a period of three years
- Additionally please submit a printed copy of your M.A.-thesis by post (no cd-roms) to the following address:
Your entire application will be sent to two internal referees. Together with their evaluation comments, your application will be submitted to the Selection Committee of the GCSC, who will compile a shortlist. We will notify youwhether you will be invited to an interview for one of the GCSC scholarships as well as memberships. These interviews will take place at the GCSC from May 11-13. If you are called for an interview, you may present your research in either language.
The application deadline is February 2, 2016. All applications (including an application form and further documents as stated on the GCSC website) have to be submitted online. Please find all information about the two-stage application procedure on our website athttp://gcsc.uni-giessen.de/application.
If you have any questions concerning your application, please contact us at gcsc-application@uni-giessen.de. On January 13, 2016, the GCSC will host an Information Day at the Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Alter Steinbacher Weg 38, 35394 Giessen. The Information Day gives potential applicants the opportunity to meet the faculty and students involved in the doctoral programme. You will also have a chance to obtain more information on the research areas and academic objectives of the GCSC; the wide range of interdisciplinary courses, colloquia and conferences; the research support on offer; international networks and partner institutions; as well as publishing and additional funding opportunities available to GCSC members. To register for the Information Day, please visit our website (starting December 1st).
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.uni-giessen.de/fbz/faculties/gcsc/gcsc/Admission/scholarships-research-team-positions/doctoral-scholarships