Gepubliceerd op 18-07-2022
Postdoc position within the Spinoza project “The Good Society” (1,0 FTE)
Do you have a background in economic and social history or a related field and would you like to work on a Spinozaproject? Then apply for our postdoc position.
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a vacancy within the Spinoza project “The Good Society”. This project want to investigate how some societies in certain periods succeeded in maximising prosperity – in the broadest sense of the word – for as many individuals as possible. The project specifically looks for the institutional conditions needed for a “good society”, and surmises that such a society can be realised in many different ways.
The postdoctoral researcher will be studying the dynamics of the local economic and political role of producer organizations in western Europe in the early modern period. You will investigate the economic and local political functioning of formal producer associations (e.g., guilds, commons) in the face of changing economic circumstances. These economic circumstances include macroeconomic conditions as well as the effects of short-term crises such as warfare or epidemic disease outbreaks. In doing so, you will concentrate on changes in the size and internal dynamics of associations as well as their leverage in local politics and economic life, and analyse how this differs from the response of market-based organizations.
You will also investigate the consequences of changes and continuities in the decisions, rules and behavior of associations for individual material well-being, as well as access to decision-making and protection of individual rights. This includes the effects on individuals in and directly related to the organizations in question, as well as effects on other individuals at the local level.
The postdoctoral researcher will be studying the dynamics of the local economic and political role of producer organizations in western Europe in the early modern period. You will investigate the economic and local political functioning of formal producer associations (e.g., guilds, commons) in the face of changing economic circumstances. These economic circumstances include macroeconomic conditions as well as the effects of short-term crises such as warfare or epidemic disease outbreaks. In doing so, you will concentrate on changes in the size and internal dynamics of associations as well as their leverage in local politics and economic life, and analyse how this differs from the response of market-based organizations.
You will also investigate the consequences of changes and continuities in the decisions, rules and behavior of associations for individual material well-being, as well as access to decision-making and protection of individual rights. This includes the effects on individuals in and directly related to the organizations in question, as well as effects on other individuals at the local level.
REQUIREMENTS
You should have:
- a background in economic and social history or related field;
- completed PhD;
- demonstrated capacity to combine empirical historical analysis based on (quantitative) historical material with theoretical and comparative approaches;
- a solid training in historical research and quantitative methods;
- eagerness to work in an interdisciplinary research team;
- good social and communication skills;
- excellent command of English and academic writing skills;
- (preferably) working Dutch language skills.
Candidates from abroad must fulfill the conditions set by the IND to work in the Netherlands
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of one year starting 1 October 2022. Upon a good performance and positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of 3 years (4 years in total).
The minimum gross salary is €3,974 and the maximum gross salary is €5,439 (scale 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) per month, at a full-time employment.
The minimum gross salary is €3,974 and the maximum gross salary is €5,439 (scale 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) per month, at a full-time employment.
Besides that, you will receive a holiday allowance of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 %. Utrecht University also has an appealing package of terms of employment, including the choice for a good balance between work and private (a good arrangement for leave, among other things), possibilities for development and an excellent pension scheme. For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.
EMPLOYER
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Bas van Bavel (Professor), via b.j.p.vanbavel@uu.nl or (030) 253 78 69.
