Call for applications | Research fellowship on “Environmental History in the medieval Islamicate Mediterranean, c. 650- 1050” – Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia — LIMITE : 12/11/2024

The present document in English is to be considered as a mere summary of the main provisions of the notice of competition which is available in Italian at the following (link). The text in Italian is the official text of the notice of competition for all legal intents and purposes and, in the event of non- conformity with the present document, it shall prevail.

Description

The Department of Humanities at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici dell’Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia) invites applications for a fellowship in: “Environmental History in the medieval Islamicate Mediterranean, c. 650-1050”, Academic discipline: STAA-01/J History of Islamic Countries, area Cod. GSD (vd. DM 639/2024) – 10/STAA-01, duration 24 months, tutor Prof. Helen Foxhall Forbes, financed by the ERC COG project “SSE1K – Science, Society and Environmental Change in the First Millennium CE”, Grant Agreement n. 101044437, CUP: H73C22001720006, Principal Investigator Prof. Helen Foxhall Forbes.

Abstract: The research fellow will examine the history of water and the broader environment in the Islamic Mediterranean from the 7th century to the early 11th century, focusing on social and/or intellectual themes. They will conduct original research on Arabic sources, and may also use archaeological evidence, to examine human relationships with the environment, with particular attention to the role of water and climate fluctuations. They will collaborate with the SSE1K research team to make comparisons between different contexts and regions across the Mediterranean.

The research fellow will define a topic of study and the most promising approach suited to their skills in discussion with the PI and the research team. Applicants should therefore outline their proposed area of research in the motivation letter (maximum 500 words). The research fellowship is particularly, but not exclusively, focused on water in terms of toponymy, ritual practices, resource management, reaction to climate events, and scientific knowledge. The geographical area of interest ranges from Mesopotamia to the Islamic West, with a particular focus on the latter.

Excellent knowledge of the Arabic language and research experience with premodern Arabic written sources is required. Knowledge of other languages relevant to this area, such as Syriac, Hebrew, or Greek, is desirable. In addition to preparing their own research for publication, the fellow will collaborate on various activities of the SSE1K project, including participating in team meetings and dissemination activities (conferences, seminars, workshops) on the project’s topics.

The research may be carried out in English.

The fellowship is intended to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to pursue his/her own research while benefiting from the range of expertise at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

Who can apply

Prospective candidates are expected to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent), or equivalent title obtained outside Italy, in history or a related discipline, and should have a professional scientific curriculum suitable for carrying out the research activities.

Ca’ Foscari encourages applications from researchers with positive evaluation in all the criteria in individual proposals such as Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions – Individual Fellowships/ERC Starting Grants/FIRB (Italian Fund for basic research investments)/SIR (Scientific Young Independence Research) or similar.

Researchers having successfully completed Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions – Individual Fellowships/ERC Starting Grants/FIRB (Italian Fund for basic research investments)/SIR (Scientific Young Independence Research) or similar funded projects are warmly encouraged to apply.

Duration of contract: 24 months (approximately starting: January 2025)

Stipend: The research fellowship amounts to 57,000.00 Euros, including taxes and social charges.

Deadline for submission of applications: 12^th November 2024, h. 12.00 noon (Italian time).

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