Job vacancy: Postdoc PRESERVARE – Huygens Amsterdam
The Huygens Institute (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) is looking for a Postdoctoral researcher for the project PRESERVARE (32 hrs) in The Netherlands
PRESERVARE. Large-scale conservation of perishable foodstuffs in the Low Countries, 1600-1800 is a European Research Council-funded Consolidator Grant (ERC CoG) led by Dr. Marieke Hendriksen and hosted by the Huygens Institute/NL-Lab of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in Amsterdam.
The project researches the production and exchange of academic, trade, and lay knowledge of food preservation through a unique combination of archival research, digital techniques, archaeological finds, and historical reconstructions.
The postdoctoral researcher should have a background in the history of early modern knowledge, preferably with a focus on chemistry, to join the project on 1 February 2025. The reason for this early recruitment is that the postdoc will be involved in the hiring process of two PhD candidates who will start at the same moment. This four-year position is aimed at developing a history of concepts and practices of fermentation in the early modern Low Countries through preservation as an analytical category and the use of reconstructions.
The postdoctoral researcher will physically be based at the Huygens Institute in Amsterdam, in the departments Knowledge– and Art Practices and NL-Lab, taking up a central role in the interdisciplinary research team consisting of historians, data scientists, archaeologists, and food conservation experts.
To apply, the candidate has to write a research proposal that fits within the overall framework of the PRESERVARE project. Close collaboration with all team members is a prerequisite. The postdoctoral position will be mentored by Dr. Marieke Hendriksen.
The position starts on 1 February 2025.
The ideal candidate:
- Has finished their PhD on a related topic (at the start of the appointment);
- Is fluent in English;
- Can read Dutch and either speaks Dutch or is willing to learn Dutch fluently as soon as possible;
- Preferably can read sources in at least one other modern European language;
- Can read sources in Latin;
- Has a background in the history of early modern knowledge, preferably with a focus on chemistry;
- Is both a team player and an independent thinker and researcher;
- Can think outside the box;
- Is interested in and willing to participate in reconstruction research;
- Resides or is willing to reside in The Netherlands at the start of employment and throughout the duration of the employment.
For all information on the project and to find out how to apply, please visit this page.
Deadline for applications: 31 May 2024. Interviews will take place in the week of June 10, 2024.
For questions about the content of the postdoctoral position, contact Marieke Hendriksen.
