Mangalam Research Center for Buddhist Languages

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Buddhist Studies

The Mangalam Research Center for Buddhist Languages in Berkeley invites recent Ph.D.'s in Buddhist Studies or closely related fields to apply for post-doctoral fellowships. The positions are for one year, starting in August 2013 or earlier, and are potentially renewable for a second year. Advanced language training in Sanskrit and at least one other canonical language is required. A strong interest in Buddhist sūtra and śāstra traditions and in digital humanities is desirable. Applicants must have been awarded the Ph.D. prior to commencement of the fellowship. They should have a serious interest in philology and lexicography, since this is likely to be the main focus of their work.

The primary responsibility of Mangalam Research Fellows will be research related to the Buddhist Translators Workbench, an online resource now under development, funded in part by a grant from the NEH.

They will work with Mangalam Academic Directors, current postdoctoral fellows, and short-term Senior Scholars in Residence on the intellectual and practical side of the BTW digital lexicon. The primary focus of this task will be philological and lexicographic, but expertise in Buddhist Studies, Buddhist philosophy and doctrine is also required. Average weekly time commitment is 25-30 hours.Housing, some meals, and medical insurance are provided as part of the compensation package, and there is a travel allowance for attending conferences. Previous fellows have received the status of Visiting Scholar from the University of California, Berkeley, which gives them full access to University facilities and resources.

A small, independent institution, the Mangalam Research Center was founded in 2008 and offered its first programs in 2009. Since 2010, its programs have been attended by some 40 senior scholars in Buddhist Studies and related fields. The Academic Directors are Drs. Luis Gómez and Michael Hahn, both of whom are in residence at various times throughout the year and guide the work of Fellows at a distance at other times. Other scholars also visit for varying lengths of time. Located in downtown Berkeley, a short walk from the campus of the University of California, it has a close working relationship with Buddhist Studies programs at UC Berkeley and Stanford University. For more information, see www.mangalamresearch.org.

Applications must be submitted no later than December 16, 2012 and should be sent via email attachment to the Director, using this address: jackp@mangalamresearch.org.

Applications need take no particular form, but should include the following:

* A detailed description of your academic credentials and language skills (official transcripts are not required);

* Statement of purpose describing your interests and research plans and any other information you consider relevant;

* Three letters of reference from academic advisers or persons in the field who know and can evaluate your work.

Applicants with suitable credentials will be invited for interviews in person or over the internet. Decisions will be announced by January 31.