To promote transregional dialogue and exchange between researchers, the Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS) is accepting applications for three dual research fellowship (three to six months each) inside its program “Transatlantic Tandem”, located one at each of its following sites in Latin America:

• Headquarters in Guadalajara/México
• Regional Center in San José/Costa Rica
• Regional Center in Quito/Ecuador

Two researchers – one affiliated with a Latin American academic institution and the other one affiliated with a German academic institution -will work collaboratively on a particular research topic related to the CALAS overall research approach. Their joint application must highlight the additional academic value of their cooperation. The application should also define the concrete results and objectives of their collaboration.

 

Thematic scope

Latin America has acquired significant experience in dealing with multiple crises. In facing these challenges, theoretical and empirical approaches are generated that are of importance not only for the region but also for the general understanding and solving of the current problems of humanity. CALAS’s transdisciplinary research program Coping with Crisis: Transdisciplinary Perspectives from Latin America” focuses on critical questions of how crises and processes of change are triggered, accelerated, decelerated, perceived, and reflected by different actors in Latin America. What strategies arise in the process to deal with crises at multiple levels? How can new approaches to solving problems, including those of a transregional nature, be effective or institutionalized?

The thematic proposals that are presented must address in one way or another these CALAS guiding research questions and its general approaches In particular, projects that show interest in research topics not yet covered by CALAS and whose academic profile guarantees the interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological approaches necessary for research in CALAS are encouraged. In this regard, it is expected that the proposed research projects will contribute to reflect, deconstruct and decentralize the Western-centered state of knowledge about concepts, dynamics and solutions, and to adapt them to the context of the region. For more information about CALAS visit: www.calas.lat

 

Conditions

The Transatlantic Tandem fellowship is open to postdoctoral scholars in Social Sciences and the Humanities. The doctoral degree has to be obtained before starting the fellowship. Operational command of Spanish is also required.

CALAS is committed to inclusion and gender equality. It expressly welcomes applications from appropriately qualified disabled persons. The CALAS fellowship-program aims for gender parity and is promoting affirmative action policies.

The fellows are expected to be in residence at the CALAS headquarters and participate in locally and digitally organized activities and events. They will have the opportunity to make use of the resources of CALAS and the respective host institution, including office space, access to libraries and research facilities.

Fellows will receive a competitive remuneration. In case the applicant holds a permanent position, the fellowship can be used to (partially) finance a temporary replacement. In addition, fellowship recipients will receive reimbursement for their round-trip airfare to the CALAS site. CALAS is unable to provide accommodation for its fellows but local administrative staff will help in finding suitable places for rent.

To complete the research stay, CALAS expects the fellows to publish their joint research results in at least two academic articles. The search for a suitable means of publication depends on the authors. At the end of the fellowship, it is expected that the fellows give an account on their activities in a five-page report.

 

Application

To apply, please fill out the online application form and add the following documents in pdf format in Spanish or English language:

• A cover letter stating why your project is a good fit for the specific fellowship and what your expectations are.
• Short CV (2 pages) of each applicant with a list of topic-related publications.
• Copies of certificate of most recently achieved academic qualification.
• Joint research proposal with research schedule, work plan and bibliographic sources and information on plans on how to publish research results (8 pages max/4.000 words).

Important dates

• Opening of the call: October 13, 2023
• Deadline: January 7, 2024
• Notification of results: March 31, 2024
• Beginning of the fellowship: Between July and October 2024

Due to the high number of applications expected, rejections will not be justified.

 

More information

Dr. Jochen Kemner

Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies

Tlf: ++ 52 33 3819 3300, ext. 23594

Email: info@calas.lat