Greek sanctuaries were places where humans interacted, not only with the gods, but also with one another. Regulating human conduct through formalized rules, they served as the quintessential institutions of Greek society. The neutral space provided by the temenē of the gods was a fertile ground for communication between various groups both within and beyond the polis. As nodes within a wider local, regional, or international network, Greek sanctuaries were eminently suitable for a variety of coded messaging with regard to social status, political intent, and intercultural exchange. Such statements were incessantly anchored in the collective consciousness through a wide variety of media, not least among which are inscriptions, monuments, dedications, ritual acts, and feasting practices.

If such cultic elements actively shaped relations between humans in the context of a wider religious framework, they were nevertheless meant to be stable and unchangeable. Yet change they did, in many ways: new gods were introduced, groups or individuals were included or excluded from a cult, new architecture, sacrifices, or cultic rules were introduced and financial arrangements were changed. In short, sanctuaries continuously adapted themselves to new circumstances. How did cultic expressions anchor innovative notions of political status and cultural identity? How could all these changes be accommodated to a thought pattern and action, which claimed to be entirely in line with ‘the way our ancestors did it’? What means were available or were created to anchor these innovations in the essentially traditional cultic sphere? Was this anchoring process usually successful, or were there cases of failure? What made the difference?

Candidates for this postdoc project are invited to submit a 1,500 word proposal concerning the anchoring of innovation in archaic and classical Greek sanctuaries. We are looking for historical research, based on archaeological and/or written (epigraphic, literary) sources, on any aspect of innovation in the religious domain with a focus on human agency (cults, sanctuaries, gods, polis religion, private cults, finance, priesthoods, etc.). The successful candidate will be assisting in the organization of workshops and conferences and the writing of grant proposals. (S)he will also work together with researchers on the philosophy of religion and festivals in Hellenistic-Roman Greece as part of Work Package 3 of the Anchoring Innovation project and members of the OIKOS research group (see Cultural Interactions in the Ancient World).

More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website, including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda”.

Tasks of the Postdoc will include:

• researching, writing, and publishing two research papers;
• presenting papers at conferences, both in the Netherlands and internationally;
• taking part in the life of the Department of History and Art History at Utrecht University, and participating in the academic community of the national research school OIKOS, and the wider Anchoring Innovation project.

We are looking for a colleague who has:

• a PhD, preferably in Classics or Ancient History (held by time of appointment and obtained no longer than five years ago);
• an excellent research and publication record in relation to stage of career;
• a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
• an excellent command of English;
• some organisational experience.

We offer a temporary position for 1.5 years (1.0 FTE), the starting date of which is yet to be agreed, but with a preference for 1 March 2020.

The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €3,637 and €4,978 (scale 11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment of 38 hours.

Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model).  More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.