Postdoc Position in Philosophy of Art at USP
The University of São Paulo (USP) is Brazil’s largest and most prestigious public university, consistently ranked among the top universities in Latin America. Its Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH) is renowned for its excellence in the humanities, fostering a rich tradition of philosophical research and international collaboration. Located in the dynamic city of São Paulo, USP offers a stimulating academic environment, modern research facilities, and access to a diverse and multicultural community. The university’s commitment to research and innovation makes it an ideal destination for scholars seeking to expand their academic horizons in a global context.
Brazil, as the host country, is well known for its vibrant academic scene and cultural diversity. Living and working in São Paulo provides postdoctoral researchers with access to an extensive network of libraries, cultural institutions, and scholarly events, making it an appealing location for those interested in the arts and humanities.
Research Topic and Significance
The primary focus of this postdoctoral fellowship is the translation into Portuguese of the correspondence of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, specifically from his final decade (1821–1831), and the investigation of his relationship with the artistic world during the period of his lectures on aesthetics (Heidelberg and Berlin, 1817–1829). This research is significant as it seeks to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, making essential philosophical texts accessible to Portuguese-speaking audiences.
By engaging with Hegel’s letters, course-related documents, and critical literature, the project contributes to both the field of philosophy and the study of art history. It aims to deepen our understanding of German Idealism and its influence on the development of aesthetics, art criticism, and art theory. The project also situates Hegel’s thought within the broader context of the Goethezeit, a period marked by profound artistic and intellectual transformation in Europe.
Project Details
The fellowship is hosted at the FFLCH of the University of São Paulo and funded by FAPESP. The successful candidate will undertake the translation of Hegel’s correspondence and provide an interpretive, philologically informed reading of these texts. The work will involve close engagement with primary materials, including Hegel’s letters, course documents, and scholarly literature by figures such as Günther Nicolin, Johannes Hoffmeister, Karl Rosenkranz, and Klaus Vieweg.
The project requires exclusive dedication, in accordance with FAPESP’s guidelines, ensuring that the fellow can fully immerse themselves in the research. The selected candidate will receive a monthly stipend of R$ 12,570.00 and a research contingency fund, which can be used for expenses directly related to the research activity.
Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates for this postdoctoral position will have:
– A doctoral degree in Philosophy, obtained within the last seven years (candidates nearing completion may apply, provided they submit their examination committee’s report at the time of application).
– A strong academic background in German Idealism and Aesthetics, with demonstrated research and professional activity in these areas.
– Proficiency in both German and Portuguese, as the position requires translation and interpretation of complex philosophical texts.
– Prior experience with large-scale translation projects, particularly those involving biographical and conceptual literature on Hegel.
– The ability to situate Hegel’s philosophy within its systematic, historical, and speculative context, with a special focus on the philosophy of art and its relationship to art history, criticism, and theory.
– A commitment to exclusive dedication to the research project, as per FAPESP rules.
Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted according to the detailed instructions provided in the official call. Applicants are required to send their materials as specified in the call to the provided contacts. The full call and application guidelines can be found on the USP Postdoctoral Program in Philosophy website:
https://filosofia.fflch.usp.br/posdoc
For additional information and to access the official advertisement, visit:
http://www.fapesp.br/oportunidades/9627
Application Deadline: 2026-08-31
