PhD Studentship in ERC Research Project "Law Without Mercy" at Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany


(m/f/d) with 65% part-time position limited to 4 years, Salary Group 13 TV-L FU

Reference code: Zachmann / ERC - LWM


Application Deadline: 5 June 2020


Applications are invited for a four-year PhD Studentship position in our research team working on the European Research Council-funded project 'Law without Mercy: Japanese Courts-Martial and Military Courts During the Asia-Pacific War, 1937-45' at Freie Universitaet Berlin.


The 'Law without Mercy' project team, led by Prof. Urs Matthias Zachmann, seeks to understand the role that military justice, particularly trials against soldiers and civilians in special military courts, played in the mass violence in North and Southeast Asia during the Asia-Pacific War. The project looks at the verdicts, investigation reports, personal notes and ministerial documents related to military justice as a way to shed light on law's role in the escalation of violence during the Asia-Pacific War. By systematically analysing a whole new body of sources in a unique and novel conceptual framework, this study is pioneering an innovative and productive line of historiographical inquiry. This project provides insights into the relation of law and violence in war that are still central to many humanitarian issues in our world today.

For more detailed information on the project, see https://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/e/oas/japanologie/forschung/erc_lwm/index.html


Job description:
The successful candidate will conduct independent research and write a doctoral thesis on a particular subject within the project framework. The thesis can be written in English or in German. Part of the research will be undertaken through archival work in Japan and other countries. Additionally, the candidate will participate in joint research activities of the team, such as conducting workshops, organizing conferences and contributing to the production of publication. Teaching is not required.
The preferred start date for the candidate is 1 October 2020. The post is a 65% part-time position and is fixed-term for four years. The salary range lies within the German civil service TV-L 13 salary group. The candidate will have access to funding for fieldwork and conference travel.


Requirements:
Master's degree in Japanese Studies, History or other relevant fields with a regional focus on Japan.


Desirable:
- Excellent Japanese-language skills, particularly of written Japanese, with some experience in reading prewar sources
- Advanced oral and written communication skills in English
- No technical knowledge in law or legal history is required

All applications should include
- a current and detailed CV
- a statement of your particular research interest in the project
- a sample of your academic writing (e.g. final thesis or publications)
- a list with 2 possible referees whom we could contact
Please send your application materials as one pdf document.

For further information please contact Prof Dr Urs Matthias Zachmann (u.zachmann@fu-berlin.de / +49 30 838 61720).

Where and How to send Your Application

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code (Zachmann / ERC - LWM), in PDF format (preferably as one document) to: Prof. Dr. Urs Matthias Zachmann: u.zachmann@fu-berlin.de. The application period ends 5 June 2020.

The timely processing of postal applications cannot be guaranteed by Freie Universität Berlin under current circumstances. We kindly ask you, therefore, to apply electronically by e-mail only.

----------------------------------------
Prof. Dr. Urs Matthias Zachmann
Professor für Kultur und Geschichte des Modernen Japan
Freie Universität Berlin
Institut für Japanologie
Hittorfstraße 18
14195 Berlin
Tel. +49 (0)30 838 61720