The Institute for History at the University of Leiden invites applications for:

Postdoctoral Researcher (3 years, 0.8 fte)
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be part of an ERC-funded research team on international coalitions for peace in the era of decolonization, 1918-1970 (RECONPAX, led by dr. Carolien Stolte).

Project description:
How did peace movements act upon the interlinked processes of decolonization and the Cold War? And how did these processes, in turn, impact the ability of different peace movements to come together in large international organizations for peace? This project studies attempts to build large international coalitions for peace in the period 1918-1970.

It departs from the assumption that, while peace movements reached out to each other in pursuit of shared goals, they did not necessarily share common methods and ideas.

Attempts to include organizations from the decolonizing world into existing international bodies brought different understandings of peace work to the surface.

This project brings historical depth to an issue of continuing relevance to the international order. It challenges the focus on the Cold War in relevant literatures as the primary factor in the development of international peace organizations. It does so in two ways: by taking a longue durée perspective that incorporates precedents set by peace movements after the First World War; and by turning the lens on the long decolonization process rather than on superpower competition. The project hypothesizes that the challenges posed by decolonization and the end of empire were the dominant drivers of success and failure in building international coalitions for peace.

All project members work on peace movements in different regions, bringing these movements in conversation with each other. For this position, we are recruiting specifically for a postdoctoral researcher with a focus on the MENA region and commensurate research skills and experience.

Key responsibilities:

• Conducting and disseminating research on the topic of peace movements in (a part of) the MENA region;
• Active participation in the research group’s activities, publications, and other dissemination activities;
• Co-organizing workshops and conferences.

Requirements:

• A recent PhD in History, Area Studies, or a related discipline, held by the time of appointment and no earlier than 1 January 2022;
• A demonstrable affinity with the history of internationalism, pacifism, and/or decolonization;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an international research group;
• Excellent command of English and at least one additional relevant research language, preferably Arabic;
• Willingness to relocate to the Netherlands, as this position includes regular in-person meetings in Leiden.

Information
For more information about these positions, including a more detailed description of the larger research project, please contact dr. Carolien Stolte at c.m.stolte@hum.leidenuniv.nl

About our organisation
Since its founding in 1575, Leiden University has acquired an international reputation for excellent teaching and research. With its staff of over 800, the Faculty of Humanities provides 26 Bachelors and 27 Masters programmes for over 7,200 students based at locations in Leiden and The Hague.

The Institute for History is the home of a vibrant community of researchers and lecturers with outstanding track records and successful in attracting national and international research grants.

Under the label ‘Global Questions, Local Sources’ scholars affiliated to the Institute combine a deep knowledge of global interactions and of specific localities, regions and states in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. They use comparative, connective and entangled approaches and resort to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

All researchers of the Institute for History are connected to one of the six research specializations: The Unification of the Mediterranean World (400 BC – 400 AD), Collective Identities and Transnational Networks in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, 1000-1800, Political Culture and National Identities, Colonial and Global History, Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence, and History and International Relations. For more information on the Institute for History: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/institute-for-history/phd-programme.

Diversity and Inclusion
Leiden University’s Institute for History embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized backgrounds to apply.

Terms and Conditions
We offer a 0,8 fte position, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of research, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended with another 2 years. The salary will be between €4020 and €4660 for a full appointment (scale 10.4 – 11.1).
The expected starting date is 1 March 2025, but we can offer some flexibility in this regard.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

Application
Applications should be submitted in English and include a:

• Cover letter;
• Research proposal (maximum 500 words) which states how you would approach the themes of the project.
• Curriculum vitae, including publications;
• Copy of the PhD thesis.

Applications should be submitted no later than 1 November via the blue button in our application system. All requested documents should be sent in PDF format.

An interview with the search committee is part of the procedure. This interview may be held online. Contact details for two referees may be required at a later stage of the application, but you do not need to enter referee details at this stage.