The University of Groningen (NL) invites applications for a 4-year PhD position in the Departments of History & American Studies on the comparative history of stamped paper in early modern empires — a unique opportunity to develop your academic career in a supportive and internationally renowned research environment.
Are you a motivated researcher with a strong affinity for early modern history, material culture or paper history, and eager to explore how an innovative form of paper-based taxation shaped early modern political and financial institutions? Would you like to contribute to a comparative study of global empires that considers metropolitan as well as colonial contexts? Do you have or are you close to acquiring an internationally-recognized (Research) MA degree from an accredited university, ideally in a related field; and certification of competence in written & spoken English, i.e. TOEFL, IELTS, or a Cambridge Certificate (not applicable to Dutch candidates who plan to write their thesis in Dutch)? The University of Groningen invites you to apply for a joint PhD position in History and American Studies.
As a PhD candidate, you will conduct original research on the comparative history of paper stamp duties in the Dutch and British empires. Your work will analyze case studies across the world, exploring how stamp duties shaped governance, economies, and societies.
As a PhD candidate, you will:
* Conduct original research using early modern Dutch and British sources.
* Develop and execute case-studies comparing stamp duties in the Dutch and British empires.
* Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
* Participate in the academic life of the Faculty of Arts, including seminars, workshops, and public events.
* Contribute to teaching activities (0.4 FTE) in the second, third, and fourth years of the appointment.
* Complete the PhD project within the specified four-year timeframe.
This position offers a unique opportunity to develop your academic career in a supportive and internationally renowned research environment. You will have access to extensive archival resources, expert supervision, and a network of scholars working on related topics.
* In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 (Promovendus) up to a maximum of € 3.881 (Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
* 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE).
* End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
* Extensive opportunities for personal, didactic and professional development.
* Contract duration: A temporary 1.0 FTE appointment for a specified period of four years. The candidate will first be appointed for twelve months. After 11 months, an assessment of the candidate’s results and the progress of the PhD project will determine whether employment is to be continued.
Does this sound like a challenge that suits you? Do you meet our qualification criteria? Then we invite you to apply.
A complete application consists of the following documents, uploaded before 2 December 2025:
* Letter of motivation.
* Curriculum Vitae.
* Copies of (Research) Master diploma and a list of grades. If candidates are still studying for their (Research) Master diploma, a written statement from the supervisor is required commenting on performance and expected date of completion.
* Copy of (Research) Master thesis.
* A writing sample (e.g. a substantial research essay, a peer-reviewed article, or a publication).
* Contact information of two academic referees.
For further information and instructions on how to apply, visit https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-position-in-the-comparative-history-of-stamp-duties-in-the-early-modern-dutch-and-british-empires-1-0-fte-1344/?lang=en
Acquistion is not appreciated.
