Today international conferences are standard features of scientific life. Since their emergence in the nineteenth century some 170 000 of them are estimated to have taken place. Still the reasons for this rise and the functions that conferences have fulfilled in scientific practice are unclear and have rarely been studied.

In a joint research project, funded by HERA (Humanities in the European Research Area), an international team of scholars from four different institutes will investigate the history of the scientific conference. They see it not as a background for other, ‘real’ action, but as a phenomenon to be grasped in itself. What happened at international scientific conferences? How have they exchanged knowledge and shaped expertise? How have conferences embodied social hierarchies and international relations?

The PhD project will look at conferences as forms of sociability. The PhD candidate will examine the development of conference culture from early to mid-twentieth century, especially the role of rituals and routines (such as toasts, keynotes, excursions, and lady programmes) in academic community formation and knowledge production. The focus will likely be on conferences in chemistry as a typical scientific field. Relevant archival materials are kept at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia, USA, where the candidate will spend a few months’ time. Within these parameters, s/he gets to carve out a more specific project.

The larger European framework provides a rich and stimulating international research environment. The PhD candidate will contribute to regular team meetings and joint academic publications. S/he will also receive individual supervision and extensive training by the Graduate School of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Netherlands Graduate Research School for Science, Technology and Modern Culture (WTMC) or the Huizinga Institute for Cultural History.

You hold a MA/MSc degree in history of science, science and technology studies, (historical) sociology or anthropology or a related discipline (or are expected to obtain such a degree by 31 August 2019). You have received excellent grades and you have an obvious interest in academic research, particularly historical or (micro)sociological approaches. You are capable of autonomously conducting original research as well as working in a team. You are fluent in English; knowledge of other languages such as French, German or Russian is an asset.

Dienstverband voor bepaalde tijd: 3 years.

We offer a dynamic and challenging job in an internationally-oriented organisation where young people receive an advanced education and scholars conduct exciting research. She / he will be part of an international network of top universities and renowned scholars within the field.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Preferred starting date: 31 May 2019.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,300 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) has about 250 staff members, and about 1,600 students. More than 76% of the students are non-Dutch (64 different nationalities). All programmes are offered in English and some are also offered in Dutch. FASoS offers two 3-year bachelor’s programmes: Arts and Culture and European Studies. It also offers eight different 1-year Master’s programmes and two 2-year research master’s programmes.  

Research is organised around four programmes: Politics and Culture in Europe; Science, Technology and Society Studies; Arts, Media and Culture; and Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is housed in the historic city centre of Maastricht.

Graduate School

Our Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD in the interdisciplinary field of arts and social sciences. You receive a coherent program of introductory courses, intensive supervision and frequent discussion with the senior researchers inside and outside the Faculty. The Programme can be characterized by its international and interdisciplinary nature and the emphasis on cultural and societal issues of the modern world.

The School focuses on four themes:

1. Politics and Culture in Europe.

2. Maastricht University Science, Technology and Society Studies.

3. Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development.

4. Arts, Media and Culture.

Further information on the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and its Graduate School may be accessed on: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/fasos .

https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/about-um/faculties/faculty-arts-and-social-sciences