The new Käte Hamburger Centre for Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Studies (CAPAS) is a Centre for Advanced Studies at Heidelberg University. It gathers international scholars and scientists to research collaboratively on ideas and experiences of the doom of worlds and their aftermath. Our mission is to encourage the dialogue between the humanities and social and natural sciences, relating to (A) the apocalyptic and postapocalyptic imaginary (ideas, images, discourses), (B) historical events that were perceived or framed as (post-)apocalyptic experiences, and © current, empirically observable developments that could bring about the end of the world as we know it and its aftermath scenarios. CAPAS will be dedicated to innovative research relevant to society at large, particularly in areas beyond traditional academic boundaries. For further information on CAPAS, please see the following dossier.

The focus of the 2021-2022 academic year is on the imaginaries and concepts of the (post-)apocalypse, with special regard to the Americas and Asia. The aim is to explore the imaginary of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic worlds in a transcultural and transdisciplinary perspective. Proposals regarding the theoretical or methodological frame of CAPAS and on inter- and transdisciplinary approaches are also welcome. We invite applications for up to 10 Junior or Senior Fellowships from September/October 2021 for the 2021-2022 academic year (beginning date is negotiable). Fellowships are available for a duration of 6 to 12 months, including at least one academic term (October to February or April to July). Fellows must reside in Heidelberg during their funding period. They are expected to participate in the transdisciplinary programme and the social life at the Centre, as well as to contribute to its publications. English is the working language at the Centre.

The Fellowships
Fellows will be provided with office space, including work facilities, and logistic support. Fellows who take unpaid leave during their fellowship will receive financial compensation in form of a stipend (approx. 3.500 to 8.000 EUR). Alternatively, the centre pays for a teaching replacement at the fellow’s home institution. Financial support is capped by the regulation of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Accommodation at the University Guesthouses is available, but limited, and shall be paid for from the stipend or the regular salary.

Eligibility
To be eligible for a Senior Fellowship at CAPAS, the candidate must at least hold the rank of assistant professor or equivalent. Applicants from scientific/empirical fields with at least 5 years of post-doctoral experience are also eligible.
Post-docs with less years of experience but outstanding research related to our thematic foci are eligible for Junior Fellowships.
We also welcome applications from artists with a project related to the topic of CAPAS, as well as representatives of indigenous groups with a proposal for a contribution to our mission.

Application
Applications must include the following documents:

• a cover letter (max. 2 pages) indicating the motivation and the preferred time slot for the fellowship
• a curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
• a list of publications (max. 2 pages)
• a proposal for a research project (max. 1,000 words) related to the 2020-2021 topic, indicating its relation to one of the research areas (A, B, or C), or a proposal for a contribution to the centre’s theoretical or methodological frame

Application documents should be submitted in a single PDF file to: Laura Mendoza, Fellowship Manager, laura.mendoza@capas.uni-heidelberg.de. For further queries please contact Ms. Laura Mendoza.

The deadline for applications is 12th of March 2021.

Selection Process
The criteria for the selection process are the academic achievements of the applicants, or, in the case of junior fellows, proven potential, as well as the originality and relevance of their research project. The selection will be made by the Academic Advisory Board by end of March 2021.