Call for Applications: 3 scholarships for doctoral researchers at the HCIAS funded by the Landesgraduiertenförderung of the State of Baden-Württemberg

The Heidelberg Center for Ibero-American Studies (HCIAS), Germany, together with the Heidelberg Center Latin America (HCLA) in Santiago de Chile, is inviting young scholars to apply for one of three scholarships to pursue a doctorate in interdisciplinary Ibero-American Studies at Heidelberg University.
These scholarships are to be granted by the Landesgraduiertenförderungsprogramm of the State of Baden-Württemberg and will support doctoral candidates in conducting their research projects within the framework of the HCIAS doctoral research group “Communication and Society in Ibero-America”.

The doctoral research group at the HCIAS
The HCIAS unites a variety of disciplines from the social sciences, the humanities, cultural studies, and environmental studies to pursue research in area studies on, with, and in Ibero-America. At the HCIAS, Ibero-America is understood to be a macro-region, which is why research at the HCIAS focuses on Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula but also explicitly includes those areas with which there are close historical, cultural, political, or socioeconomic ties. Together with the HCLA in Santiago de Chile, a Center of Excellence in Research and Teaching and Heidelberg University’s offshore campus in Latin America, the HCIAS promotes networking opportunities for researchers early in their careers to become part of an international academic community and develop their research in a collaborative and stimulating environment. The interdisciplinary doctoral research group “Communication and Society in Ibero-America” gives
young scholars the opportunity to work with both peers and experienced researchers from Heidelberg University, as well as international partner institutions in order to foster interdisciplinary dialogue. The doctoral theses developed within this group aim at addressing grand challenges affecting Ibero-American societies, paying special attention to societal dynamics and communication.
Please visit our website for further information on the framing structure of the doctoral research group and the thematic orientation of future doctoral projects.

Applicant’s profile
For the doctoral research group “Communication and Society in Ibero-America”, we are seeking reliable, highly motivated applicants with a spirit for teamwork in an international research environment centered on interdisciplinary issues.
To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants

1. must have completed their master’s degree (or equivalent) in area studies, the humanities, or social sciences with an excellent grade;
2. must present a convincing project proposal that exhibits their command of the relevant theories and methods;
3. must have a strong command of English and advanced knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese;
4. should have previous experience in research contexts (e.g., research stays, internships within research groups/institutes, student/graduate assistant, etc.).

Provisions
Scholarship funding is comprised of

• a monthly stipend of €1,365;
• a lump sum of €110 per month for material and travel expenses;
• if applicable, a family allowance.

The duration of these scholarships is limited to three years and may begin as early as August 2022. Please be aware that scholarship recipients are required to pursue their research on location at the HCIAS in Heidelberg, Germany.

Application documents and procedure
To apply for one of these scholarships at the HCIAS, please submit the following documents in one single PDF document via e-mail to doctorate@hcias.uni-heidelberg.de by May 26, 2022:

• Curriculum Vitae
• motivation letter (max. 750 words / 1.5 pages, single-spaced explaining the specific motivation for your application referring to your thematic and regional areas of interest and a detailed outline of your academic background)
• exposé of the proposed project (max. 2,500 words / 5 pages, single-spaced, including timeline)
• university degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, etc.)
• proof of proficiency in English and Spanish/Portuguese (if not a native speaker)
• one letter of recommendation (to be written by a university professor)

Interviews with the selection committee will take place at the beginning of June 2022.
For more information, see our website or e-mail us at doctorate@hcias.uni-heidelberg.de.