Vacature: Postdoc position Economic and Social History, Utrecht University

At Utrecht University, at the department of History and Art History, the Section Economic and Social History, within the research team of prof.dr. Bas van Bavel, there is also a vacancy for a Postdoc position. As a Postdoc you will work within the ERC-funded project “Coordinating for life. Success and failure of Western European societies in coping with rural hazards and disasters, 1300-1800”, which aims to explain why some societies are successful in preventing the effects of major hazards and buffering threats, or in recovering quickly, while others prove highly vulnerable.

Deadline for applications: 14 April 2014.

Functie
A main element in the project is a comparative analysis, using selected Northwestern European regions as test areas. The project is funded by the European Research Council, by way of an Advanced Grant awarded to project-coordinator Prof. Bas van Bavel.

Within the project, 1 postdoc position will be available:
– The Postdoc (starting preferably 1 September 2014, or earlier) will work on fine tuning the case selection for the comparative tests, start analysing the cases and make the first step in building the project’s databases (Work Package 1: “Strengthening the foundations”) and subsequently on the role of systems of allocation and redistribution in the mitigation of crop failure and famine, in the period 1500-1800 (Work Package 3: “Getting access to food”).

You will be based at Utrecht University, and be part of the research team led by prof. Bas van Bavel and will as such also be part of the department History and Art History, Section Economic and Social History, led by prof. Bas van Bavel and prof. Jan Luiten van Zanden.

Profiel

• a PhD in social and/or economic history or a manuscript submitted to the PhD committee;
• experience with both qualitative and quantitative research and methods for comparative research;
• strong interest for relevant theory;
• capacity to work both as a creative and independent researcher and as part of a team;
• capacity or at least willingness to collaborate across the academic disciplines;
• experience in publishing at high academic standards; ability to work in an international, interdisciplinary team.

Aanbod
We offer a Postdoc position of 0.8 fte beginning 1 September 2014, or earlier). The positions may be augmented with a 0.2 fte teaching assignment at BA and/or MA-level, when available. Initially, there is a one year contract. After a positive evaluation this contract can be extended with three more years (a total of three to five years maximum). Salary ranges between € 3.037,- and € 3.831,- gross per month on a fulltime basis depending on experience and qualifications. Utrecht University offers a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

Over de organisatie
Utrecht University is one of Europe’s leading research universities, recognised internationally for its high quality and innovative approach to both research and teaching. Founded in 1636, the University has always focused strongly on research. Owing to its solid grounding in discipline-based scholarship, Utrecht University is at the forefront of developments in interdisciplinary knowledge. The University participates in various thematic multidisciplinary collaborations that conduct excellent research. With its prominence in teaching and research, Utrecht University works towards finding solutions of the highest possible impact and significance to the major challenges facing the 21st century.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 900 staff members. 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 motivated colleagues and the excellent facilities in the historic town centre of Utrecht, where the Faculty is located, provide a stimulating professional atmosphere.

Aanvullende informatie
Are you interested? For more information about the project please contact the project leader prof. dr. Bas van Bavel. For practical information and questions please contact Linda Westerink. Applicants can also consult the Utrecht University website and the project description for more information of the project.

Solliciteren
Applicants should send a cover letter and a curriculum vitae, certified copies of relevant diplomas, one recent academic publication, the contact details of two referees (names, affiliations and phone numbers or email addresses; preferably, reference letters are included) and a 600-word research design proposal, in which the applicant presents his/her ideas about the relevant project. Included in this proposal in an indication of the specific position and Work Package you are applying for. Please note that applications without this 600-word research design proposal will not be included in the subsequent selection procedure! Please refer to the position you are applying for and use the application button on the Utrecht University website to apply.

The full text of this vacancy (including the application button) can be found on the Utrecht University website (among several other vacancies).