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. We are looking for an interdisciplinary PhD candidate with a background in the history of science or cultural history to join the project on 1 February 2025. This four-year position is aimed at developing a history of knowledge of brining and pickling in the early modern Low Countries through preservation as an analytical category and the use of reconstructions.

• Has finished their master’s degree (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.
• Has a background in history of science and knowledge or cultural history.
• Has a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and digital humanities.
• 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.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is [[salarisMin]] and the maximum salary is [[salarisMax]] gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale [[ufoSchaal]] cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Huygens Institute

The Huygens Institute aims to enrich, broaden, renew and make widely accessible the research on history and culture of the Netherlands. We do this by digitally opening up historical and literary data and texts from various collections and sources, connecting them and analysing them in innovative ways - across the centuries and beyond Europe's borders.