Research Fellowship in Environmental History in the medieval Islamic Mediterranean, c.650-1050CE

The Department of Humanities at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici dell’Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia) invites applications for a 24-month research fellowship in Environmental History in the medieval Islamicate Mediterranean, c.650-1050CE, starting in January 2025 or as soon as possible afterwards. The project is funded as part of the ERC COG project “SSE1K - Science, Society and Environmental Change in the First Millennium CE”, Grant Agreement no. 101044437, CUP: H73C22001720006, Principal Investigator Prof. Helen Foxhall Forbes.

The researcher will examine the history of water and the broader environment in the Islamic Mediterranean from the 7^th century to the early 11^th 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 researcher 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.

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.

Further particulars are available at:
https://apps.unive.it/domandeconcorso-en/accesso/2024-dsu-ar-14 (English) or https://apps.unive.it/domandeconcorso/accesso_cf/2024-dsu-ar-14 (Italian).

The deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday 12^th November, 12.00 (CEST).

The interview will be held online on Thursday 5th December 2024, 10.30 (CEST). The short-list of the candidates admitted to the interview, or any postponement, will be published on the University’s webpage on 20th November 2024 (link).

How to submit your application

Applications should be submitted by the online procedure, available on the notice webpage (link), or directly by clicking the 'Apply' button

Foreign citizens without an Italian Tax Code will need to generate a temporary code to proceed with the application: this can be done at https://apps.unive.it/utils/cf. The Department can be contacted for support needs until 13.00 (CEST), 11th November 2024.

Please note that the system takes some time to process applications, so it is suggested not to start the process close to the deadline.

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