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Athens as Hub for Linguistic and/or Literary Innovation

Postdoc project (3 years, 1.0 fte), University of Amsterdam
Anchoring Work Package 7: Classical Athens

Supervisor
Dr. Luuk Huitink (Amsterdam) and Prof. dr. Irene de Jong (Amsterdam)

Salary range
Between € 3.821,- and € 5.230,- gross per month, depending on education and experience

Job description
After the Persian wars Athens became the cultural capital of the Greek world. Athens’ new-found pre-eminence had major consequences for Greek language and literature. For example, Attic began to take over from Ionic as the main dialect for Greek prose; Attic tragedy and comedy became major export products; and new prose genres such as forensic oratory and philosophical dialogue sprang up.

For this postdoctoral project we welcome structured proposals (title, research question, scholarly background, aims, method, corpus) for research that will increase our understanding of Athens as the motor of linguistic and/or literary innovation. The project will be executed as part of the ‘Anchoring Innovation’ research agenda of OIKOS, the National Research School in Classical Studies of the Netherlands, more specifically Work Package 7 (Classical Athens). Anchoring Innovation investigates innovation processes through the concept of anchoring, i.e. the various ways in which ‘the new’ could (or could not) be connected to what was already familiar. More information about Anchoring Innovation can be found on the website (www.anchoringinnovation.nl), including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda”.

Host institution
University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Humanities, Amsterdam School of Historical Studies (ASH). For more information, see: https://ash.uva.nl/.

Terms and conditions
Postdoc project, 3 years (1.0 fte, 38 hrs per week), starting date to be agreed upon, with a preference for September 1, 2022. Initially the employee will receive a one-year contract, with extension for the following 2 years on condition of a positive evaluation. Salary range (depending on education and experience) of a minimum of € 3.821,- and a maximum of € 5.230,- (salary scale 11) gross per month for full-time employment, (pay scale for postdoctoral researchers, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). If desired, the position may be held part-time and thereby extended in length.

The University of Amsterdam offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Tasks of the postdoc will include:

  • Completion of a monograph or, alternatively, at least three substantial articles within three years (1,0 fte) or three years and seven months (0,8 fte);
  • Participation in meetings of the project research group(s);
  • Presentations of intermediate research results at workshops and conferences;
  • Participation in the training program of the local Graduate School and the National Research School in Classics (OIKOS);
  • Participation in staff meetings of the Amsterdam Classics team and the intellectual life of the department and the institute;
  • Organization of at least one workshop.

Requirements

  • A PhD in Ancient Greek Literature and/or Linguistics, held by time of appointment;
  • Thorough expertise in linguistic or literary research;
  • An excellent research and publication record in relation to stage of career;
  • A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
  • Excellent command of English;
  • Some organizational experience.

Diversity
The Anchoring Innovation program is strongly committed to diversity within its team and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Enquiries about the position can be addressed to Dr. Luuk Huitink, l.huitink@uva.nl or Prof. dr. Irene de Jong (i.j.f.dejong@uva.nl). Questions about the procedure can be directed to Dr. Suzanne van de Liefvoort, anchoring@let.ru.nl.

Application
In order to be considered, applications must include the following information (in the order stated), in one PDF file (not zipped):

  • Cover letter;
  • CV, including list of publications and contact details of two referees;
  • Transcript of records (i.e. BA and MA grades);
  • Research proposal of 1500 words (excluding bibliography);
  • Copy of PhD diploma or a statement by the PhD supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment.

Please submit your complete application to Dr. Suzanne van de Liefvoort, the coordinator of the Anchoring-program via anchoring@let.ru.nl before April 24, 2022. Interviews will take place in the week of 30 May – 3 June 2022 and will possibly be held online.