Post-doc Researcher History Norse Transatlantic Contact Pre-Columbus

Job description

The position of post-doctoral historian is now available on the CONTACT project at the University of Groningen (UG). The role will be based at the interdisciplinary Arctic Centre, but the post-holder will also hold an affiliation at the Centre for Isotope Research (CIO) in the UG’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. Research at the Arctic Centre is aimed at contributing to a better comprehension of the Polar Regions in the past and present, of changes in those regions, and of the consequences of these changes for humanity and nature.

CONTACT (Chronology of the Norse TransAtlantic Colonies & Territories) is a multi-faceted ERC-funded research project based at the UG and the University of Copenhagen. Its focus is on understanding the timing, nature and geographic extent of European incursions into North America prior to Columbus. The object is to shed new light on this emotive subject through radiocarbon dating with Bayesian modelling; solar-storm dating; ancient DNA and isotope analysis; as well as material and documentary research.

We are looking for a postdoctoral historian to join the CONTACT team. We offer a 12-month contract with the expectation of extension for a further 1.5 years. Part-time employment will also be considered. The employee will be expected to work both independently and alongside other team members in Groningen and abroad. He/she will use historical analysis to shed more light on particular aspects of the Norse transatlantic voyage(s). Possible focuses include investigating the historicity of aspects of the Vinland Sagas and/or the transference and loss of knowledge of the Americas through late Medieval Europe. The results of the research will ultimately be disseminated via academic journals and conference papers.

The postdoctoral position will be overseen by the PI of the CONTACT project, prof. dr. Michael Dee (CIO, RUG).

Organisation

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen (UG) has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education, offering high-quality teaching and research. Study and career paths across a wide variety of disciplines currently allow more than 37,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Amongst the finest research universities in Europe and the top 100 in the world, the UG is truly an international knowledge hub.

Qualifications

The candidate should have a PhD in history or in a closely related field. Individuals with knowledge of the western expansion of the Norse are especially encouraged to apply. Preferably, the candidate will be able to read Old Norse, and at least one modern Scandinavian language. The CONTACT project operates predominantly in English, so skills in this language are important; however, knowledge of Dutch is not required. However, the individual would be encouraged to be based in Groningen.

Organisation

Conditions of employment

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary from a minimum of € 4,020 gross per month up to a maximum of € 5,278 gross per month (salary scale 10) based on a full-time position and dependent on qualification and work experience.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• An 8.3% year-end bonus.
• We offer a 12-month contract with the expectation of extension for a further 1.5 years. Part-time employment will also be considered.
• 232 holiday hours per calendar year for full time employment.
• Participation in a pension scheme for employees.
• A personal budget of € 1,000 per year for additional training and career activities.