Doctoral fellow in History at Ghent University 2024

Ghent University's History Department is seeking three doctoral fellows for the ERC Starting Grant Project titled ‘CATTLEFRONTIERS – (Post)Colonial Cattle Frontiers: Capitalism, Science and Empire in Southern and Central Africa, 1890s-1970s’. This project investigates the transformation of cattle production in Southern and Central Africa during the colonial and early postcolonial periods, exploring the intersections of colonialism, global capitalism, and science in shaping cattle economies. The project aims to provide a comprehensive history of these transformation processes and integrate them into global historical contexts.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must hold an MA degree in History, African Studies, History of Science, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Highly motivated individuals with an interest in colonial history and/or the history of sub-Saharan Africa are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent proficiency in English and/or French is required; knowledge of Portuguese is essential for certain case studies.
• Candidates must be willing to conduct research in the respective African countries of their case study.

Value of the Scholarship:

• Full-time doctoral fellow positions for four years, subject to positive evaluation after one year.
• Internationally competitive doctoral scholarships, including full or partial social security benefits.
• Office space, a laptop, and funding for archival research, fieldwork, workshops, and conferences.
• Membership in a leading history department with a strong focus on African history and an interdisciplinary research group funded by the European Research Council.
• Enrollment in the UGent Doctoral School and access to specialist courses, transferable skills seminars, and general support for doctoral researchers.

Application Process:

• Submit applications by December 18, 2023, 23:59 CET to Samuel.Coghe@UGent.be, with the subject line ‘CATTLEFRONTIERS Ph.D. [Number of Line of Inquiry]’.
• Applications must include a letter of motivation, a CV with referee details, copies of relevant degrees, and academic writing samples.
• Shortlisted candidates will be notified by mid-January 2023 for interviews conducted at the end of January – beginning of February 2024.

Deadlines:

• Application deadline: December 18, 2023, 23:59 CET
• Interview notification: Mid-January 2023
• Interview period: End of January – beginning of February 2024
• Final candidate notification: Mid-February 2024
• Ideal job start: April 1, 2024