The International Research Training Group (IRTG) 2445 ‘Temporalities of Future in Latin America: Dynamics of Aspiration and Anticipation’ is part of the Institute of Latin American Studies of Freie Universität Berlin. The Mexican-German interdisciplinary project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and works in close cooperation with the Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, the Universität Potsdam, El Colegio de México, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and the Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social in Mexico City.

Objectives:
The IRTG aims at developing a new perspective to explore temporalities of the future within the humanities and the social sciences. The emerging field of research is expanded to include the two dimensions of global interconnectedness and cultural heterogeneity that characterise Latin America. The focus on the aspirations and anticipations of various actors whose interactions produce new temporalities of the future offers an innovative research approach and a necessary inclusion of subaltern and non- Western practices. The cooperation with Mexican institutions allows a multi-pronged investigation of temporalities of the future in colonial, postcolonial and contemporary Latin America and promotes their joint empirical and theoretical exploration within an innovative interdisciplinary framework.

We welcome applications from the following disciplines:
History, Political Sciences, Literature and Cultural Studies, Sociology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Economics, Jewish Studies and Religious Studies

Academic environment:
The Berlin-Potsdam area offers an exceptional and internationally renowned research and training environment in the field of Latin American Studies. Scholars in Jewish Studies will find an inspiring context and network both at the Institute of Jewish and Religious Studies/University of Potsdam and the Selma Stern Center for Jewish Studies Berlin-Brandenburg. The Dahlem Research School (DRS) of Freie Universität Berlin provides further opportunities for interdisciplinary training.

For more information about the research and study programme, visit: https://www.lai.fu-berlin.de/en/temporalities-of-future/index.html 

Job description:
• Independent execution of a self-conceived PhD research project within the framework of the IRTG, with the goal of completing a dissertation within the contract period of three years
• Regular and active participation in the IRTG's events, including presenting and discussing own research results.

Requirements:
Scientific degree (MA or equivalent) in one of the participating disciplines

Desirable:
- An outstanding MA degree, or equivalent, in one of the participating disciplines
- An innovative PhD research project consistent with the research topics and questions of the IRTG that can be finished within 3 years
- Very good Spanish and English skills

For further information, please contact Mr. Lasse Hölck (tempfuture@fu-berlin.de / 838-55180).

Required documents:
- Proof of completion of a MA or equivalent degree programme completed in Germany or abroad
- Proof of appropriate language skills
- Exposé of an innovative doctoral project in one of the three research fields of the IRTG, time schedule, selected bibliography, abstract
- Curriculum vitae
- Transcripts, certified copies
- Letter of motivation
- 2 letters of recommendation from university teachers

Applicants should be prepared to reside in the Berlin-Potsdam area, and to take part in a structured study programme with research overseas. Travel expenses, materials and supplemental funding for families and child care will be covered according to DFG guidelines.