Postdoctoral Fellowship in Indology at PSL, France

About the Position

The Practical School of Advanced Studies (PSL) – École Pratique des Hautes Études is offering a 12-month Postdoctoral Fellowship in Indology, renewable for another year, within the ERC-funded project MANTRAMS: Mantras in Religion, Media and Society in Global Southern Asia. Supervised by Andrea Acri, Associate Professor in Tantric Studies, the fellow will be attached to the Groupe de Recherches en Études Indiennes (GREI, EA2120). The project explores the history, transmission, and cultural significance of mantras across Southern Asia over 3,000 years. It employs interdisciplinary approaches including Indology, anthropology, media studies, sound studies, and art history. The role offers a rare opportunity for international collaboration, critical editions and translations of Sanskrit texts, fieldwork with archival sources, and contributions to the creation of global digital and sonic archives of mantras.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Fellow
Institution: Practical School of Advanced Studies (PSL) – École Pratique des Hautes Études
Department: Section des Sciences religieuses
Research Field: Indology, Religious Studies, Philology
Location: Paris / Aubervilliers, France
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral (Fixed-term)
Start Date (Anticipated): December 2025
Working Hours: 38 hours per week
Salary Range: According to EPHE postdoctoral scheme, including transport allowance and potential fieldwork/conference funding
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Indology
Sanskrit and Prakrit Philology
Religious Studies
History of Religions
Early Śaiva and Yoga Texts

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Indology, Religious Studies, or related field
Excellent knowledge of Sanskrit
Experience in editing and translating Sanskrit texts, particularly early Śaiva Tantras, Śaiva Siddhānta, and Śaiva Purāṇas
Proficiency in English for scholarly writing

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous research on mantras
Experience in interdisciplinary projects or international collaboration

Key Responsibilities

Study and analyse a corpus of early Śaiva and Yoga mantras
Publish editions and English translations of Sanskrit primary sources
Collaborate with Andrea Acri on project deliverables (TF1, Roots and Branches)
Draft chapters for edited volumes on mantras
Proofread Devanāgarī manuscript transcriptions (IFP, Pondicherry)
Present at conferences, workshops, and panels
Participate in team meetings (in-person or online)

Application Process

How to Apply: Submit application via email to andrea.acri@ephe.psl.eu

Required Documents:

Research project (2–4 pages) outlining expected contribution and deliverables
Cover letter (max 1 page)
Sample of unpublished or published writing (article, thesis chapter, workshop paper, etc.)
CV including list of publications