Postdoc Position in History

Utrecht University

Institution: Utrecht University – Faculty of Humanities, Department of History and Art History

Project: ERC Consolidator Grant “Fighting Pandemics from Below: Global North-South Public Health Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa, 1792-1942 [COOPERATION]”

Position Type: Postdoctoral Researcher (12 months, possible 12-month extension)

Hours: 32 per week

Salary: €4,728 gross/month (full-time, CAO NU scale 11), plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension, parental leave, and flexible employment terms

Application Deadline: 2 November 2025

Expected Start Date: 1 March 2026 (earlier start possible by agreement)

First-round Interviews: Online, 13 November 2025

Contact for Queries: Dr. Ozan Ozavci – h.o.ozavci@uu.nl

Project Overview

The COOPERATION project (2024-2029) investigates historical North-South public health cooperation, focusing on sanitary councils in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from 1792–1942. It explores bottom-up strategies for fighting epidemics and pandemics, examining European, American, and local efforts to overcome inter-imperial competition, economic inequities, and social biases.

Postdoc Subproject: Focus on Tangier, Morocco, analyzing dynamics of public health cooperation in this city.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archival research in the Netherlands and abroad (Europe, North America, MENA)
• Publish a peer-reviewed journal article and a book chapter
• Help organise a workshop on sanitary internationalism in MENA
• Collaborate with other research team members and participate in project meetings
• Assist with project data setup and knowledge dissemination activities
• Present research findings at national and international conferences

Candidate Requirements

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field (19th–early 20th century international history, imperial history, history of medicine, MENA history, etc.)
• Proven academic publications and public outreach experience
• Excellent English proficiency (spoken and written)
• Reading ability in at least one European language; reading ability in MENA languages or willingness to improve
• Archival research experience
• Flexible for travel, collegial, and capable of independent and collaborative work

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Two-page statement explaining intended contribution to the project

Reference letters (two) will be requested from shortlisted candidates directly from referees

Apply via Utrecht University’s online portal (click “Apply now”)

Working Environment

• Utrecht University promotes a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment
• The Faculty of Humanities has ~7,000 students and 1,100 staff
• Emphasis on professional development, cultural and sports activities, and flexible employment conditions

This position is ideal for postdoctoral researchers with archival research experience, interest in global health history, and strong collaboration skills.

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