Full­time PhD position in History of Science

Period: 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2019 (start date is flexible)

Location: University of Basel, Switzerland

Institutions: Bernoulli-­Euler Centre and Digital Humanities Lab

Project Title: Bernoulli-­Euler Online (BEOL): Development of a platform for digital editing and a virtual research environment for historical scientific texts

Application deadline: open until a candidate is selected

Project Description

We are an interdisciplinary group of scholars and software developers who make innovative tools for interacting with sources and data in the humanities. We are building a web­based research platform for presenting and working with critical editions of printed works, manuscripts, and correspondence by the Bernoulli dynasty and Leonhard Euler. We aim to offer open access to facsimiles, transcriptions, critical texts, translations, indices, and commentaries, as well as an environment for carrying out new research using these materials. We encourage experimenting with new ideas, we offer a friendly working environment, and we have a sense of humour.

Job Description:

• You will undertake your own research on a topic you propose, which should focus either on the works of Leonhard Euler and the Bernoullis or on the methodological aspects of digital critical editions.
• You will play an active role in implementing software for processing transcriptions and annotations, modelling text structures, mathematical formulae and/or figures, and developing a web­based user interface.
• You will be affiliated with the faculty of science in the discipline 'History of Natural Sciences'.
• The PhD position is paid according to the salaries defined by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Requirements:

• You have an interdisciplinary background, including mathematics (such as an MSc in mathematics or similar experience) as well as historical research.
• The sources of BEOL are written in Latin, German, and French. Basic knowledge in one or more of these languages is desirable but not required.
• You have experience in computer programming and an interest in working with a variety of programming languages.
• You enjoy working with people from different academic disciplines, learning new technologies, and imagining new ways of using them.
• Experience with Semantic Web technologies would be an asset.

Apply using the link below 

Questions and Contact:

Please contact Dr. des. Tobias Schweizer t.schweizer@unibas.ch for more information about the position.

The University of Basel is an equal opportunity and family friendly employer committed to excellence through diversity. Applications from women are strongly encouraged.