Job description:

The research project ‘The Politics of the English Grain Trade, 1314-1815’ is a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and Utrecht University. The project analyses the development of the political economy of the English grain and bread trades over the long run as a process of commodification, determined by economic but also political, social, cultural, ethical and legal factors. This process is positioned against a background of swings in the balance of population and food supply and of the development of international markets in grain.

The postdoctoral Researcher to be appointed at Utrecht University (PDRA2 in the project description) will examine the transnational aspects of the English grain trade by studying the impact of the English grain trade on the regions that were drawn into it and drawing comparisons with the bread and grain politics in these regions. This part of the project will focus on two important port towns on the North Sea and Baltic coasts, Gdańsk and Hamburg, and will include an analysis, based on local administrative and jurisdictional sources, of the regulation of the grain trade, public grain stocks, milling and baking, the sale of bread and bread prices, and conflicts and discussions on these issues. It will also include a survey of the German-language pamphlets and other contemporary literature expressing attitudes towards the grain trade.

A detailed project description can be downloaded on the job portal.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:

- a PhD degree in social, economic, political or cultural history by the time of appointment;
- expertise in one or more of the subjects central to the research project;
- a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research which is internationally recognized as contributing to the field;
- the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with good organizational and communication skills;
- the ability to read German and preferably also Polish;
proficiency in spoken and written English.

Offer
We offer a temporary position of 0.8 FTE initially for one year and starting on 1 January 2022, with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first year. The inclusion of additional teaching activities (0.2 FTE) in the position is open for discussion, depending on qualifications and preferences. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €3,807 in the first year and €4,207 in the fourth year (scale 11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment.

Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

About the organisation
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 900 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: Jessica Dijkman (Associate Professor), via j.dijkman@uu.nl or +31 30 253 64 60.

Apply:
Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. To apply, please send your application via the ‘apply’ button. Applications should include the following documents:

- a cover letter explaining your interests in this position, how your background prepares you for it, and any other information about your circumstances relevant to assessing your suitability for the position;
- a curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications. Please include the names and contact details of two referees whom we may contact at the end;
- a relevant key-publication (max. 20 pages – you may also include selections from larger work).

Interviews will be scheduled to take place on Wednesday 6 October 2021, preferably in a live setting but if necessary they will be conducted online, via Teams.

The application deadline is 22 September 2021.