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 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. The project includes an analysis of local administrative and jurisdictional sources regarding the regulation of the grain trade, milling and baking, the sale of bread and bread prices, and conflicts and discussions on these issues, in two towns on the North Sea and Baltic coasts: Gdańsk and Hamburg. It also includes an analysis of German-language pamphlets and other contemporary literature expressing attitudes towards the grain trade. Depending on inclination and expertise of the researcher, options to foreground a shorter subperiod within the long time frame covered by the research project are open to discussion.

Profile:
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;
- proficiency in spoken and written English.

Offer:
We offer a temporary position of 0.8 FTE, initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first year, starting on January 1, 2022 (or as soon as possible after that date). The inclusion of additional teaching (0.2 FTE) in the position is open to discussion, depending on qualifications and preferences. The gross salary 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.

Applications:
Applications should include the following documents:
- a cover letter explaining what interests you about 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 a larger work).
Interviews will be scheduled to take place on Thursday 25 November 2021 in the afternoon, either live or online, via Teams.
Applications should take place through Utrecht University's vacancies website: https://www.uu.nl/organisatie/werken-bij-de-universiteit-utrecht/vacatures/postdoctoral-researcher-impact-of-the-english-grain-trade-1314-1815-in-northern-germany-and-the . The application deadline is 7 November 2021.