PhD-position Chemistry, entrepreneurship and governance in the Netherlands
University of Twente, the Netherlands
Job description
Chemistry was involved in virtually every aspect of life in the Netherlands during the eighteenth century, especially as the Dutch struggled with rising competition from abroad. Chemistry was crucial for maintaining health and investigating nature, for improving agriculture, pursuing overseas trade and developing new industrial processes and products. So too were chemical knowledge and know-how necessary for artists and artisans, as well as for those who supplied the public with luxury goods such as cosmetics, perfumes and liqueurs. This PhD project is part of a larger NWO funded research programme on the history of chemistry in everyday life which seeks to understand chemistry in terms of its active presence in Dutch intellectual, social, cultural, economic and political life during the second half of the long eighteenth century. The primary research task of this PhD project is to identify and explore the relationships between chemistry, entrepreneurship and governance in three areas: profit-oriented commercial ventures, societally-oriented private initiatives (amateur societies, etc.) and government programs that sought to nurture and manage such chemistry related activities. Situating this investigation in the broader historical context will help make deeper sense of both.
The successful candidate will work as part of a larger team of historians who are engaged in integrating the history of science and technology with broader themes of history. The first year will be taken up with deepening knowledge of relevant historical subfields and writing a dissertation proposal which translates the projects general contours into a personalized research plan. In addition to writing a dissertation, this project offers an opportunity to take part in the production of a museum exhibition on the history of chemistry in everyday life
Requirements
You have a masters degree in history with demonstrable interest in one or more of the subfields that are relevant to this project, such as the history of science and technology, economic history, overseas history, the eighteenth century. Knowledge of current-day chemistry is not necessary. You read English, Dutch, French and German, are able and willing to work hard and independently, as well as working well with a team. Critical thinking and the ability to formulate coherently analytical arguments are also basic requirements. It is further expected that you will write your dissertation and accompanying publications in English.
Conditions of employment
We offer a very challenging position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment. As a PhD candidate you will be appointed in a full-time position for a period of four years, at the end of which you must have completed your PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary for a PhD increases from 2042 in the first year to 2612 in the final year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). In addition, the University of Twente offers additional attractive employment conditions. As a PhD candidate you will join the programme Governance of Knowledge and Innovation of the Twente Graduate School. The GKI programme provides participants with the necessary qualifications to contribute to comparative research in the governance of science, technology, innovation, higher education and research, seeking to understand social, cultural and historical dynamics conceptually and empirically.
Contract type – Temporary
4 years
Organisation – University of Twente
University of Twente. A place where talent emerges and develops. Students and staff are our valued core. Approximately 3,300 scientists and professionals work together on groundbreaking research, relevant innovation and inspiring education for more than 9,000 students.
Department – School of Management and Governance
To apply for this position, visit AcademicTransfer for the original posting, and many other scientific vacancies.
Location: Enschede
Scientific fields: Engineering, Economics
Function types: PhD positions
Education: University Graduate
Hours: 38.0 hours per week
Salary: 2042 – 2612
End procedure: 1 October 2010
