Beta maṣāḥǝft
Beta maṣāḥǝftManuscripts of Ethiopia and Eritrea
PhD scholarship
6 March 2026
The project Beta maṣāḥǝft: Manuscripts of Ethiopia and Eritrea (Schriftkultur des christlichen Äthiopiens und Eritreas: eine multimediale Forschungsumgebung) at the Hiob Ludolf Centre for Ethiopian and Eritrean Studies at Universität Hamburg invites applications for a
PhD Scholarship
expected to begin on 1 October 2026.
Research
It is mandatory that the proposed research topic is consistent with the project goals. For more details on the project visit https://www.betamasaheft.uni-hamburg.de/
The third project phase places special attention on (1) literary history and (2) palaeography, and the PhD projects are expected to contribute to research in one of these fields.
The Faculty of Humanities of Hamburg University maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism. Any use of generative AI that extends beyond mere language editing and is not properly disclosed will be regarded as a form of academic dishonesty. Applications involving the use of such AI-generated content will be rejected, and applicants will be advised that reapplication is not permitted. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to academic integrity. A signed declaration of academic integrity should be submitted together with the application dossier (see below).
Requirements
MA degree in Semitic studies, Oriental studies, African studies, Theology, or a related discipline is necessary. Knowledge of Ge'ez and other Ethiopian, Eritrean, Oriental, and European languages, as well as experience in manuscript studies and digital humanities, is an advantage.
Research is conducted primarily in English, PhD dissertations may be written in English or in German. For any further detail refer to the rules of the doctoral degree regulations for the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Hamburg: (https://www.gw.uni-hamburg.de/en/studium/promotion.html). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that he or she can comply with the regulations.
Duration
The scholarship will be awarded for three years. No extension beyond this period is expected. However, since doctoral students must remain enrolled at the University of Hamburg until their defense, if the thesis is completed on time, the project may help cover the enrollment fees for an additional semester.
Funding
The scholarship according to the Hamburg University regulations amounts to the net sum of €1.650,00 € plus a monthly lump sum for material costs of 103,00 € (total 1.753,00 €).
Application deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 30 April 2026.
Application
We accept applications in German and English.
Please fill out the form below and supply the requested documents as PDF. Additionally, kindly ask your supervisor and, if possible, a second referee to send their letters of reference directly to aethiopistik"AT"uni-hamburg.de .
Please note that incomplete applications or those containing attachments beyond those explicitly requested or those attaching documents in a different format will not be evaluated.
