The University of Bologna (Department of Philosophy and Communication studies) within the ERC project (01.12.2017 – 30.11.2022) “Alchemy in the Making: From ancient Babylonia via Graeco-Roman Egypt into the Byzantine, Syriac and Arabic traditions (1500 BCE -1000 AD)” [Acronym: AlchemEast] invites applications for two postdoctoral positions (2 years each). The principal investigator is Professor Matteo Martelli.

The two appointed candidates will work respectively on the following sub-projects:

1. Alchemy in the Arabo-Islamic World: Texts, Practises and Traditions. This sub-project aims at exploring the early phases of the Arabo-Islamic alchemy (8th-10th century). The appointed candidate will select and focus on a small corpus of Arabic alchemical texts either attributed to Greek authorities or depending on the Graeco-Egyptian and Byzantine tradition.

Requirements for candidacy:

• Degree in disciplines related to Islamic studies, Arabic studies, oriental history, or related fields with appropriate scientific and professional curriculum.
• Knowledge of classical Arabic (knowledge of other languages such as Akkadian, Greek, Latin or Syriac will be an advantage).
• Skills acquired in the study of science in the Arabo-Islamic world with specific attention to primary sources.

2. Alchemy in the Graeco-Egyptian and Byzantine World: Texts, Practises and Traditions. This sub-project aims at exploring the development of Graeco-Egyptian and Byzantine alchemy. The appointed candidate will select and focus on a small corpus of Greek or Byzantine alchemical writings.

Requirements for candidacy:

• Degree in disciplines concerning classical studies, Greek philology, ancient history or related fields with appropriate scientific and professional curriculum.
• Knowledge of ancient Greek (knowledge of other languages such as Akkadian, Latin, Syriac, or Arabic will be an advantage).
• Skills acquired in the study of science in the ancient world with specific attention to primary sources.