Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Greek Heritage in European Culture and Identity at the University of Oslo

The fellowship is part of the project GrECI (“Greek Heritage in European Culture and Identity”), funded by the European Research Council (HORIZON-WIDERA-2021ACCESS call, 101079379). The project consists of a close collaboration between the University of Oslo (Norway), the University of Cyprus, and the University of Franche-Comté (France).

The heritage of ancient Greece is commonly regarded as a main component of a shared European culture. But how did this idea emerge? The complex historical processes of cultural reception that shaped it are still in need of explanation. The research project “Greek Heritage in European Culture and Identity” (GrECI) explores a key phase in this process: the reception and appropriation of the heritage of ancient Greece in early modern Europe (15th-17th century).

The project relies on a close collaboration between the University of Oslo (Prof. Han Lamers), the University of Cyprus (Dr Natasha Constantinidou), and the University of Franche-Comté (Prof. Marie Barral-Baron Daussy). The consortium aspires to promote collaboration in the field both by making scholarly contributions in the form of conference papers and various publications and by developing a network of scholars via meetings, workshops, and conferences. It focuses especially on early career researchers.

The research conducted at the University of Oslo specifically aims to contribute to our understanding of the cultural history of Greek learning in early modern Europe. How did writers and artists shape notions of Greek language, literature, and culture? Did they understand ancient Greece as part of their own cultural heritage? And if so, in what ways?

For more information about the project, please see https://www.hf.uio.no/ifikk/english/research/projects/greek-heritage-in-european-culture-and-identity/index.html 

More about the position

The position is available for 2 years, full-time, with an expected commencement in September 2023. 

The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to conduct a research project that sheds new light on the cultural (material and/or literary) history of Greek learning in early modern Europe. Research results should be presented in the form of conference papers and a number of journal articles. Relevant areas of scholarship include classical reception studies, Byzantine and Greek studies, Renaissance studies, art history, iconology, book history, and the history of knowledge and scholarship. Candidates are asked to clearly articulate the topics on which they intend to work in their project description. Proposals should explicitly relate to questions of Greek and European identity formation and the material and/or wider cultural historical dimensions of Greek learning in early modern Europe. The candidate is expected to present a research project closely connected to the main project.

In addition to conducting research and presenting its results, the successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to other project activities, including collaborative research, writings sessions, the organization of workshops, and visiting the consortium’s partner institutions.

The successful candidate will work closely with Prof. Han Lamers at the University of Oslo and is also expected to collaborate with consortium members and to participate in the research network of the department.

The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications with a specialization in an area that is relevant to the project (e.g. classics, Greek studies, Renaissance studies, early modern history, art history)
• The candidate’s research project must be closely connected to the ambitions of “Greek Heritage in European Culture and Identity” (HORIZON-WIDERA-2021ACCESS call, 101079379)
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Command of the language(s) that are essential to the candidate’s proposed research project
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:

• The research project’s scientific merit, research-related relevance, and innovation
• The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and contribute to the research of the project team
• Good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines

We offer

• Salary NOK 544 400 - 626 300 per annum depending on qualifications 
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

•  Expression of interest and research idea (2–3 pages) describing the applicant’s motivation for the position and the research idea they propose to develop within the scope of the project
• Curriculum Vitae with grades listed (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• Full list of publications
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• List of reference persons: 3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Long-listed candidates will be asked to submit

• A detailed project description (approx. 3–5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters. See Template for project descriptions). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment
• Two academic article-length writing samples that the applicant wishes to be considered (these can include dissertation chapters and must not necessarily be published).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

See also Regulations concerning Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For questions about the project and the position:

Professor Han Lamers, e-mail: han.lamers@ifikk.uio.no

For questions about how to apply:

HR Officer Anders Rykke, e-mail: anders.rykke@hf.uio.no 

About the University of Oslo 

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

The Department embraces four disciplines: Philosophy, Classical Languages (Greek and Latin), History of Ideas and Art History. The Department is also responsible for the introductory philosophy courses, obligatory for all students attending study programmes at the University of Oslo. The Department has about 110 employees.

The project's official website: GrECI – Greek Heritage in European Culture and Identity (greci-twinning.org)