This PhD project is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network MECANO ('The Mechanics of Canon Formation and the Transmission of Knowledge from Greco-Roman Antiquity'). MECANO brings together five universities and an array of academic and non-academic institutions interested in the topic of canonicity. MECANO's twofold goal is to develop a new model for the study of canonicity and to train ten PhD researchers to become historically conscious and digitally skilled Humanities PhDs, ready to tackle the challenges of modern engagement with the topics of canonicity, diversity, and cultural heritage.

The  aim of this particular PhD project is to map and explain Hellenistic ideas concerning the pulse and its clinical application. These ancient ideas have reached us as fragments and testimonies in later ancient authors such as Galen and Rufus of Ephesus. By studying these fragments, this research will seek to identify the different types of pulse and their relations to physiological causes and pathological conditions according to key Hellenistic authors such as Herophilus of Chalcedon. It will create a comprehensive written and digital overview of its rich terminology, and trace the filtering of these ideas and terms into Galen’s pulse canon, which shaped medical theory and practice throughout history. 

The core method is close reading and analyses of the ancient texts. However, distant reading as well as comparative consideration with other cultures and modern conceptions are encouraged. The research will involve at least two digital aspects: (1) designing an interactive digital interface mapping ideas and terminology of different authors; (2) creating a dataset of annotated texts labelling conceptual categories, sentiments expressed in the text and more.

Acquired skills and experience: In addition to the advanced training in Classics and textual studies, you will work closely with centres for innovation and digital humanities, IT professionals and biomedical experts while undertaking independent research on ancient medical texts, and gaining experience in digital classics and machine learning. Through your secondments you will broaden your research to the philosophical context of pulse writings at KU Leuven and gain hands-on experience in digital academic publishing at the Brill/De Gruyter publishing house.

Responsibilities and Activities

• As a PhD candidate you will write a PhD thesis and design an innovative digital interface mapping Hellenistic ideas of pulse. You will be supervised by Dr Orly Lewis (HUJI) and co-supervised Prof Jan Opsomer (KU Leuven).
• By the end of your first year, you will submit a full research proposal to your PhD committee (comprised of your supervisors and two external members).
• You will participate in the ongoing activities at the Department of Classical Studies at the Hebrew University and at Dr Lewis’ lab of digital ancient medicine.
• You will take a number of courses at the department and faculty and have access to all libraries and university resources. 

You will be part of an MSCA Doctoral Network, a vibrant group of PhD candidates and international researchers from five universities. This means participating in networking activities and spending time abroad, gaining from a unique study and training experience. You will take full part in the training programme, consisting of summer schools, workshops, a regular online seminar, and other activities.

Your programme includes two secondments: at the Institute of Philosophy at KU Leuven (4-month research stay) and Brill/De Gruyter Publishers (Leiden, 3 months) working on the structure and design of the digital publication platform of GALex (Greek-Arabic Lexicon) and on medical-related entries.

The fellowship is for 3 Years, an extension may be possible based on accomplishments and available resources.