History
The International Institute of Social History (IISH), part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the SevenFrontiers project, funded by the European Research Council. This project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transformative effects of commodity frontiers in the Global South that contributed to the rise of early industrial capitalism between the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The research team, led by Professor Ulbe Bosma, includes a postdoctoral researcher, two PhD researchers, and student assistants. The successful candidate will focus on the social consequences of the large-scale mobilization of labour and land for the production of seven major commodities exported from the Global South: sugar, cotton, coffee, tea, precious metals (gold/silver), opium, and cereals. The position involves working with extensive data from the Global Collaboratory on the History of Labour Relations, analyzing both quantitative and qualitative aspects of historical population statistics, including demography, occupations, and gender. The postdoc will be responsible for producing three or four articles in leading academic journals or preparing a monograph manuscript. The appointment is for three years, from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2028, with a full-time salary ranging from €4,728 to €6,433 per month, plus vacation and year-end bonuses, travel, internet, and home working allowances, and pension accrual. The KNAW offers a flexible benefits package, including the possibility to increase annual leave by working extra hours. Applicants must have a PhD in History, preferably with expertise in colonial or global history, and demonstrate proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Strong English language skills are required, and knowledge of an additional non-native language is a plus. The working environment at KNAW values diversity and inclusion, and candidates who can contribute to this are encouraged to apply. Applications should be submitted via the AcademicTransfer portal by November 15, 2025.