CfA: ERC-funded post-doctoral position on fantasy fiction across the Chinese mediasphere
Subproject: “SINOFANTASY – Fantasy fiction across the Chinese mediasphere (platforms, creative labor, fandom, participatory culture, transmediality)”
The ERC-funded project SINOFANTASY (Starting Grant #101220119, PI Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jessica Imbach) investigates the rise and impact of contemporary Chinese fantasy fiction, which encompasses a wide range of genres such as xuanhuan (Eastern fantasy), qihuan (Western fantasy) and kehuan (science fiction). Once confined to a niche subculture, fantasy fiction has in recent decades become a mainstream cultural force in China; it is not only immensely popular and commercially successful but also politically charged, making it central to current debates about the role of history, culture, technology, and soft power.
Over five years, SINOFANTASY will examine the development of contemporary Chinese fantasy fiction and its relation to key socio-cultural, technological, economic, and political transformations of the postsocialist era. To this end, SINOFANTASY will also study the role of fantasy fandom and transmedia adaptation within China’s highly dynamic yet heavily monitored mediasphere. A central aim of the SINOFANTASY project is to examine how contemporary Chinese fantasy fiction operates not only as a cultural mirror of postsocialist transformations, but also as an active agent in shaping public debate, cultural forms, and social practices. The project thus examines fantasy both as a literary genre and a socio-cultural phenomenon, providing novel insights into how literary and cultural production intersect with social norms, media infrastructures, and power dynamics in contemporary China.
The successful candidate will develop and conduct a research project within the SINOFANTASY framework, focusing on the role of fantasy fiction within the wider Chinese mediasphere. Possible areas of investigation include, but are not limited to, the conditions and dynamics of creative labor, the role of platform economies in shaping literary and cultural production, fan culture, gamification in narrative and cultural practices, the emergence and significance of participatory cultures, and the functions of transmediality. In addition, the position involves contributing to the collaborative research tasks of the SINOFANTASY project, notably the development of the digital Lexicon of Contemporary Chinese Fantasy, as well as participating in and organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences. Further duties include contributing to the project’s research outputs, financial reporting, and public outreach activities.
Requirements
- PhD in Media Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Chinese Studies, or a closely related discipline
- In-depth familiarity with the contemporary Chinese media landscape
- Demonstrated experience in conducting research on new media and digital platforms
- Additional assets include experience with fieldwork and related empirical research methods
- Excellent knowledge of modern Chinese and strong academic English skills (C1 level or above)
- Ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
Application documents
- Letter of motivation outlining your interest in SINOFANTASY and your relevant experience
- Full academic CV and publication list
- Two scholarly articles or selected dissertation chapters
- Relevant degree certificates and diplomas
- Names and contact details of two referees
Application deadline: 21 October 2025.
The position is for two years, with the possibility of extension. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L. The expected start date is January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
How to apply:
Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 4515, by 21 October 2025 at the latest. The application should be sent as one PDF to the following address:
E-Mail: jessica.imbach[at]sinologie.uni-freiburg.de
For further information, please contact Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jessica Imbach: jessica.imbach[at]sinologie.uni-freiburg.de.
More information at Universität Freiburg.