One PhD position in Islamic Studies with a focus in History and Philosophy of Mathematics
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The Starting Grant “Medieval and Early Modern Mediterranean Mathematics” (MediMath) project at the unit “Middle East and Muslim Societies,” Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies (SACS), University of Bern, is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of Islamic studies with a focus in history and philosophy of mathematics. The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).
Starting date: October 2025 or as agreed

MediMath is a project on the history of algebra and of its relations to arithmetic and geometry as they were developed in a broader Mediterranean world from the 9th to the beginning of the 17th century. The project combines conceptual analysis with philological research, while also following the historical trajectories of mathematicians and their texts.
The PhD candidate will join Prof. Eleonora Sammarchi's research team to work on the Work-Package Conceptual changes in Mediterranean mathematics. More precisely, the candidate will focus on the subject The use of geometry in medieval and early modern algebra. Scholarship has widely investigated the applications of algebra to geometry in medieval and early modern texts.

Tasks
Within this task, we will rather proceed in the other way round, and study how scholarly geometry changed when it was applied as a tool in algebraic texts. Evidence of this “algebraized geometry” can be found if one examines the proofs developed by scholars such as Abū Kāmil (9th c.), al-Khayyām (11th c.), and Sharaf al-Dīn al-Ṭūsī (12th c.). Additionally, the question also concerns Renaissance treatises, such as Buteo's Logistica (1559), Nuñes's Livro de algebra en arithmetica y geometria (1567) and Viète's Isagoge in artem analyticam (1591). The PhD student will focus on a comparative study made between a selection of Arabic and Latin sources.
The PhD thesis will be supervised by Prof. Eleonora Sammarchi (main supervisor) and Prof. David Rabouin (CNRS-SPHere, University Paris Cité).
The responsibilities of the PhD student recruited to this project are as follows:
• Completing the PhD dissertation
• Conducting textual analysis of Arabic and Latin sources
• Attending project meetings and research colloquia
• Collaborating closely with MediMath project members (internal and external collaborators)
• Co-organizing project workshops, conferences, and events
• Contributing to the MediMath lexicography (a multi-language digital tool that will compile outputs from the entire project)
• Participating in the project's communication strategy, including managing the project blog (Stories)
• Building academic networks with colleagues inside and outside Switzerland
• Presenting research at academic conferences.
Requirements
We are looking for a motivated candidate who can demonstrate a strong commitment to the project, the potential to produce research of international standard, and robust methodological skills. Candidates should be reliable, capable of working both independently and collaboratively. An active willingness to contribute to a supportive and inclusive work environment is essential. Candidates must hold a MA degree (with very good grades) in: History and Philosophy of Science, Philosophy, History, Islamic studies, or related fields, with a proven ability to work with Arabic and Latin texts. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. A proven interest in current debates in history and philosophy and a willingness to be part of an interdisciplinary team are expected. Previous experience of working with mathematical texts is an advantage but not required. Relocation to Bern is expected.
Candidates nearing completion of their MA are also welcome to apply. However, they must submit a detailed and realistic timeline for completing their MA, accompanied by a confirmation letter from their MA supervisor.
What We Offer
The position is based in the Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies (SACS), within the unit Middle East and Muslim Societies (MOMuG). The role is limited to a maximum of three years.
We offer an enriching experience as part of an international and dynamic research team, with excellent facilities and working conditions adhering to cantonal standards. You will join a supportive, collegial environment with flexible working arrangements. The University of Bern is dedicated to the principles of equality and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with migration background, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, People of Colour, and those from minority backgrounds in the Swiss context.
Application and Contact Details
Applications should include:
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the project
• A detailed CV
• A copy of relevant degree certificates and a detailed academic transcript (including classes attended)
• A writing sample (e.g. one chapter of the MA thesis, publication, seminar paper)
The documents should be submitted as a single file in PDF format named as follows: yourSurname_MediMath_WP1.pdf (e.g. Sammarchi_MediMath_WP1.pdf).
Deadline for applications: 15 June 2025 (midnight CEST).
Please send your applications to Debora Ulrich (debora.ulrich@unibe.ch) with the subject line: PhD MediMath WP1.
If you are short-listed, you will be asked to provide contact details for two references, and a two-page description of a PhD project that fits within the MediMath project. Interview dates: beginning of July.


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