We are seeking a candidate for a PhD position in the NWO-funded NWA project Constructing the limes: Employing citizen science to understand borders and border systems from the Roman period until today. C-Limes is a large interdisciplinary project studying the border of the Roman Empire, and more specifically the so-called Lower German Limes. The project not only investigates how the border functioned in antiquity, but also examines how the limes have become cultural heritage, influenced our contemporary views on borders, and was mobilized to support collective identities since the early modern period. The project is unique in its kind due to its strong attention for citizen science and close collaboration with societal partners. For more information, see the website Constructing the Limes. 

The work package Limes as Heritage analyses how the Roman limes have become cultural heritage and defined our conception of borders. For this work package we are looking for a PhD Researcher who will study the political and cultural mobilization of heritage from the Roman period during the nineteenth and twentieth century. The focus is on the Netherlands within an comparative European context. The PhD will study the politics and cultural dimensions of archaeology and heritage formation during this period, using both archival sources and scientific and public discourse. The anticipated start date is 1 September 2021.

Since archaeology and heritage management of the Roman period during this period is multifaceted, it is possible to focus on one key theme in the project (e.g. colonialism, nationalism, intellectual history) or a particular period (e.g. late eighteenth century use of the Batavians or late nineteenth-century constructions of the Roman past). We invite the prospective candidate to submit a 1,000 word project proposal that outlines a potential research focus.

As the project is participatory in nature and operationalizes open science principles, the candidate will be expected to actively engage with societal partners, contribute to non-academic deliverables (exhibition and TV documentary), and regularly present findings of the project to the public. The Researcher will be based at the Cultural History section at Utrecht University and will be a contributing member of the Utrecht Heritage and Public History Lab.

• conducting the research (literature and archival research, collecting and analysing data, reporting results), resulting in presentations at national and international conferences, international scholarly publications, and a dissertation;
• occasional teaching (max. 10% per year);
• contribution to outreach of the project;
• occasional travel;
• active participation in the research community of the project and the department.

You have:

• a (Research) Master's degree in cultural history, heritage studies, archaeology, classics, or a closely related field;
• an excellent academic record;
• affinity with digital research methods;
• an eagerness to publish international articles and write a dissertation;
• good social and communication skills;
• an excellent command of English and Dutch, and adequate knowledge of German and/or French;
• the ambition to collaborate with (inter)national partners and participate in secondments with our international project partners.

You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of four years. The gross salary ranges between €2,395 in the first year and €3,061 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. 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 center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.