The research network comprises the University of Oldenburg, Institute for History/Early Modern Period; the Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven Oldenburg Elsfleth, Institute for Applied Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics; the Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch Oldenburg; the Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Geoinformatics; and the GBV Network Headquarters, Göttingen. The DiViAS project integrates museum, historical, and cultural sciences with artificial intelligence (AI), geoinformatics, and three-dimensional measurement technology for researching and developing digitally supported methods to record and analyze collection items.
This scientific project position is linked to the case study 'Materiality in Space and Time' during the Age of European Expansion and Colonialism. The source material consists of artifacts from captured ships, currently housed in the High Court of Admiralty (Prize Papers) at the National Archives in London. These objects, ranging from everyday items and consumer goods to barter items, belonged to women and men, including personal effects of sailors, merchants, and other passengers, and were either enclosed with letters or fortuitously preserved, including rare insects. The project aims to explore the unknown origins, contexts of creation, and historical significance of these artifacts and their associated practices. Additionally, the project will critically analyze how surviving objects from reprehensible colonial contexts and their divergent attributions of meaning and usage in their societies of origin have evolved over time. Through collaboration with project partners specializing in photogrammetry and 3D scanning, the research will focus on studying the physical properties of these objects, examining their production practices, historical usage, contexts, and transportation routes. The position offers an opportunity to pursue a PhD.
Detailed examination of production techniques, historical usage, geographical origins, usage contexts, and transportation routes, while formulating specific research inquiries.
Tasks:
- Historical identification and documentation of surviving artifacts from global colonial contexts in the National Archives, UK, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries
- Assessment of existing scientific material analysis of the objects for comprehensive description and origin identification, along with exploring the potential advancements in 3D digitization
- Detailed examination of production techniques, historical usage, geographical origins, usage contexts, and transportation routes, while formulating specific research inquiries
- Critical analysis of the colonial origins of the objects and the diverse interpretations of their significance and usage within their respective societies of origin
- Collaboration with the research team at the Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch Oldenburg to enhance methodologies and theoretical frameworks of eCritical Heritage concerning objects from colonial contexts
- Collaboration with affiliated experts in the field of eCritical Heritage
Applicant Prerequisites:
- Completed university studies in history, cultural studies, or museum studies (Master's or equivalent), preferably with a specialization in the history of European expansion, colonialism, or early modern global history
- Proficiency in paleography, particularly with 17th and 18th-century manuscripts
- Familiarity with methods and theories related to historical materiality research
- Willingness to engage in transdisciplinary collaboration
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Proactive and independent work approach
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with historical collections and archives, including their digital accessibility methods
You will be part of a transdisciplinary team of scientists merging museum, historical, and cultural sciences with artificial intelligence (AI), geoinformatics, and three-dimensional measurement technology. The team's objective is to devise digitally assisted techniques for documenting and examining collection materials. The position is based in Oldenburg, with several research trips planned to the National Archives in the UK throughout the project duration.
The University of Oldenburg is committed to enhancing the representation of women in the field of science. As a result, women are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance with § 21 para. 3 NHG, female candidates will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal qualifications. Similarly, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities, in the case of equal qualifications.
Please submit your application letter along with all supporting documents (including a curriculum vitae, copies of relevant qualifications related to the aforementioned duties and recruitment requirements, and a list of publications/academic achievements) using the reference keyword: 'Materiality DiViAS'. The deadline for submissions is November 20th, 2023. Kindly send your application in PDF format via email to geschichte@uol.de, University of Oldenburg, Institute of History, Prof. Dr. Dagmar Freist, 26111 Oldenburg.
Unfortunately, travel expenses incurred in the course of the interviews cannot be reimbursed.