The Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
and the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
(MPG) present the Joint Research Initiative "Convivencia: representations,
knowledge and identities (500-1600 AD)."

Convivencia is the traditional term used to designate the cooperative and
conflicting co-existence of Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities in
themedieval Iberian Peninsula. The aim of the JRI "Convivencia" is to
address from a multidisciplinary perspective a formative period of the
European world (500-1600 AD) with its cultural and religious
heterogeneity. The encounters and exchanges between Jewish, Christian and
Islamic communities and elites constitute a historical laboratory of great
significance for understanding interaction and transformation processes of
cultures in the millennium between the decline of the Roman Empire and the
beginning of the early modern period. Aspects of these processes have been
studied by single disciplines in an isolated manner. The challenge of the
JRI is to overcome such division and focus instead on overarching
questions which create an intense dialogue and collaboration between the
disciplines themselves.

Principal topics of the JRI include:
- The appropriation of past forms of art and science in new contexts.
- Representation of contact and conflict in texts and images.
- Transmission and transformation of institutional and legal models.
- Spaces of Convivencia (places of learning, sacred and profane spaces,
etc.)

The JRI aims to establish a research unit consisting of two groups, each
headed by a co-director and of up to four fellows per group.

The JRI is initially funded by CSIC and MPG for five years, with the
possibility of an extension for five more years upon positive evaluation
of performance. The JRI will be located initially in Madrid at the Centro
de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales (CSIC-CCHS).

The CSIC and MPG are inviting to submit applications for two PI positions
to lead the research units, and to act as co- directors of the JRI
"Convivencia".

The positions are devoted solely to research: no teaching duties are
involved. The initial contract will run for a five-year period with the
possibility of renewal for a further five years. The salary is set
according to the applicant's experience and merits. Successful applicants
will be employed by CSIC and should take up their positions as soon as
possible.

Applicants should have experience in both launching and heading a research
programme. They are expected to have a strong record of international
scholar productivity and a commitment to scientific excellence and
inter-institutional cooperation.

Applicants are requested to submit their applications in English by
November 30, 2009. This should include a CV, a brief statement of how
their profile fits into the "Convivencia" programme, a list of
publications, a research proposal of how the "Convivencia" project should
be developed (800 words maximum) and names and addresses (including email)
of three referees who may be contacted for a letter of recommendation.


Applications should refer to "Convivencia - Head of Research Unit" and be
submitted to
Prof. Mercedes Garcia Arenal <[log in to unmask]>
with a copy to:
<[log in to unmask]>

Short-listed candidates will be asked to come to Madrid for an interview
(travel expenses will be covered by the JRI). Enquiries concerning the
research project and administrative questions should be directed to Prof.
Mercedes García-Arenal.

Scholars of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. CSIC and MPG
promote the full participation of women in research. CSIC and MPG are
equal opportunity employers. Applicants with disabilities who are equally
qualified will be favoured.

For further information, see
http://proyectos.cchs.csic.es/convivencia/node/5

(We apologize for any duplicate mailings)