The research unit ‘Henri Pirenne Institute for Medieval Studies’ (Ghent University) has a position available for a:
Scientific Researcher
(Full-Time Predoctoral Researcher)
Project description
The Peace as an Instrument of Social Competition: Toward a Non-Homeostatic Interpretation of Political Relations in the Central Middle Ages (Western Europe, late tenth-early twelfth centuries)
This project will investigate the competitive aspects of the Peace of God-movement during the later tenth to early twelfth centuries. So far, the ritual and symbolic acts associated with the Peace have been studied primarily as part of strategies to maintain the current social order. However, recent studies have given credence to the possibility that forms of symbolic behavior, such as the ritualized Peace of God, could also serve as a form of competition, creating hierarchic inequalities and blocking the ascent of rivals. Using evidence originating from the Northern French archdiocese of Reims, the researchers involved in the project will investigate the extent to which the Peace-of-God-movement can be studied from the perspective of the careers of individual participants.
This research project is funded by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO).
Professional environment
Medieval studies at Ghent University cover a wide range of subjects and methodological approaches. Intensive exchanges within the Department of History and the Henri Pirenne Institute for Medieval Studies, and with the international academic community, create a stimulating environment for innovative research. Research on the early and central Middle Ages currently focuses on the tenth to early twelfth centuries, with scholars involved in the study of a wide range of subjects including reform, conflict management, commemorative practices, material aspects of communication, and ritual and performance (http://www.resoma.ugent.be). This project will also benefit from the support of the International Research Network Conventus (http://www.conventus.ugent.be).
Qualifications
The candidate:
– has a Master’s degree in History or a Master’s degree with demonstrable interest in Medieval History;
– has experience with Latin sources of the Middle Ages;
– has active knowledge of Dutch and/or French and/or English (one of the latter two is sufficient) and can read publications in at least French and English. He/she is also willing to learn basic Dutch during his/her employment at Ghent University (introductory courses are available);
– is an enthusiastic and inventive team player and must be willing to travel abroad for conferences, meetings, etc.;
– is willing to prepare, and finish, a doctoral dissertation on the subject of the project within four years.
Offer
▪ A 4-year contract as a full time scientific staff member of Ghent University (scholarship starting from around 1700 euro net./month);
▪ Contact with national and international research groups;
▪ A friendly, dynamic environment for research;
▪ Opportunity to follow an individualized PhD programme at the UGent Doctoral School of Arts, Humanities and Law or the Doctoral School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, including language courses;
▪ Extra benefits: free public transport between home and work place; biking fee; access to university sports facilities and university restaurants.
Start of the project: May 1st, 2013
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us, please send a copy of your diploma, your CV and a cover letter describing your interest in the project, before January 10th, 2013 to Prof. Dr. Steven Vanderputten (Steven.Vanderputten@ugent.be).
More information:
http://www.resoma.ugent.be
http://ugent.academia.edu/StevenVanderputten
http://www.conventus.ugent.be
http://www.pirenne.ugent.be/
http://www.ugent.be
