Postdoc in the History of Early Modern Philosophy

ob description The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Descartes Centre at Utrecht University invite applications for a full-time position in postdoctoral research, to be held for three years, as part of the research programme Spinoza’s Web, funded by the Netherlands Foundation for Scientific Research (NWO). In this programme, the postdoc will carry out the subproject Van Velthuysen and His Circle. The subproject Though the publications and activities of the idiosyncratic Cartesian and Calvinist Lambert van Velthuysen (1622–1685) constitute a seminal episode in the history of early modern philosophy, they have so far not been explored systematically. This subproject will yield a comprehensive interpretation of Van Velthuysen’s own publications, those of the liberal and radical network around him (the so-called ‘Collegie der Sçavanten’), and their relationship with Benedictus de Spinoza (1632–1677). Given the abundance of texts and documents, the postdoc must first demarcate the scope of the subproject. This will include sifting through unpublished documents: letters, notebooks, minutes, legal documents. In the course of the enquiry, the ramifications of the Utrecht network will become clearer. Such networks existed elsewhere, too, but the polarized situation in Utrecht (both in the 1660s and after the French occupation) and the remarkable versatility of its key figure Van Velthuysen make this group exceptionally significant. A well-documented new assessment of intellectual life of Utrecht in the second half of the seventeenth century will open up new perspectives, ‘in vivo’, on the concrete ways in which modern philosophy began to take shape in the Dutch Republic. This enquiry will result in a monograph, in English, that should be finished in the spring of 2017 and published in the course of that year. In addition, the postdoc will participate in the collaborative work of the research team Spinoza’s Web and contribute to its activities (workshops, an international symposium), and take an active part in the department’s Research Institute for Philosophy and Religious Studies, and the interdisciplinary Descartes Centre. Qualifications Competence in the history of (early modern) philosophy, science and religion, in particular in the Dutch seventeenth century. Good passive command of Latin and (seventeenth-century) Dutch. An assessment of the candidate’s proficiency in these languages may be part of the recruitment process. Good active command of English. Proficiency in reading manuscript material of the period. Expertise in conducting independent archival research. Efficiency in teamwork. Offer We offer a fixed-term and full-time postdoctoral position for a period of three years. Salary ranges between € 3,037 and € 3,259 gross per month, depending on experience and qualifications (scale 10). Utrecht University offers a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. About the organisation Utrecht University, founded in 1636, is an internationally renowned research university with a strong ambition in regard to education quality and study success. The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and motivated colleagues and the excellent facilities in the historic town centre of Utrecht, where the Faculty is located, provide a stimulating professional atmosphere. Moreover, Utrecht University offers attractive terms of employment. The Faculty of Humanities of Utrecht University has around 7,000 students and 900 staff members and is situated in the historic town centre of Utrecht. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. The Descartes Centre for the History and Philosophy of the Sciences and the Humanities is a collaborative institution of all Faculties of Utrecht University, and is administered by the Faculty of Humanities. It coordinates the research in the field of history and philosophy of the sciences and humanities at Utrecht University. Additional information You'll find the outline for the entire programme of Spinoza's Web here, which contains further information on this subproject, too. For any queries please contact the programme’s supervisor, Prof. Piet Steenbakkers: Piet.Steenbakkers@phil.uu.nl. Apply Please use the ‘apply’ button below and upload the following material before 31 March 2014: A personal letter, in English or in Dutch, detailing your motivation and your suitability for the position; A curriculum vitae, including academic qualifications and a list of publications; The names and contact information of at least two referees. The application deadline is 31/03/2014

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