3 PhD Positions in University of Amsterdam

Project 1: From Ghafurov to Primakov: The Politicisation of Academic Oriental Studies in Moscow and Leningrad/St. Petersburg since 1950
vacancy number 08-3074

Project 2: The Legacy of Soviet Oriental Studies in Kazakhstan
vacancy number 08-3075

Project 3: Soviet Oriental Studies and Azerbaijani Nationalism
vacancy number 08-3076

The project analyses the history of Oriental and Islamic Studies in Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia and its repercussions for the discipline today. Our first goal is to study the research agendas and ideological approaches of the Oriental Studies institutions that emerged in the course of 20th century in various republics of the USSR, the changing Soviet discourses on Islam and Muslim societies, the involvement of scholars in party and state agencies, and their role in anti-religious propaganda. Our second goal is to assess the legacy of the heavily politicised history of Soviet Oriental Studies in today’s Russia and the newly-independent Muslim-majority states of the Former Soviet Union.

More information on the project can be obtained from the University of Amsterdam (see below).

Tasks

The candidate is expected to research and complete a Ph.D. dissertation within a period of four years (part-time position), and to participate in the group work (incl. conferences, workshops, and publications).

Requirements

The candidate is required to have a (research) master degree, preferably with a specialization in History, Islamic Studies, Anthropology, Political Studies, Central Asian Studies, or Russian Studies. For the necessary language skills, please see the extended project descriptions.

Further information

For further information on the project, candidates are welcome to contact Prof. Dr. Michael Kemper (m.kemper@uva.nl) and Dr. Stéphane A. Dudoignon (dudoignon@aol.com). The complete text of the project can also be requested from drs. P.J. Koopman, the managing director of the Institute for Culture and History, telephone +31-20-525 4433, e-mail p.j.koopman@uva.nl.

Appointment

The intention is for the appointment to start on 1 April 2009, in temporary employment for a period of 16 months. After completing this first period successfully, the candidate will be employed for a further period of 32 months. The gross monthly salary for the position will be in accordance with the University regulations for academic personnel, and will range from €2.042 to a maximum of  €2.612 for a full time position.

Job application

Those wishing to apply should send their letter of application in English, together with a CV, a research proposal, a specimen of their written work and the names of two referees, to the director of the Institute for Culture and History, c/o drs P.J. Koopman, Spuistraat 134, NL-1012 VB, Amsterdam. Applications have to be submitted before 1 January 2009. Please quote the project and vacancy number.