Umeå University, Faculty of Arts

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

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The Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies is looking for a Project Assistant. The employment period is 6 months (100%). 

Project description
The work is carried out within the framework of the research project: “Banking Before Banks: Networks, Behaviour and Strategies in Early Financial Markets” financed from the Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Memorial Fund. 

In pre-industrial Europe, networks were at the center of social, and above all, economic life. This is especially true for early financial markets. Before the mid-nineteenth century and the proliferation of banks, most financial transactions took place through inner circles (i.e. informal networks). This research project analyses the economic strategies and behaviour of men and women in early financial networks (1750-1900) through social network analysis. The aim is to understand how early financial networks formed and worked, and how people behaved in such networks. 

Job Assignment
The main assignment is to transcribe and code archival documents -mainly probate inventories- written in French into a database. The probate inventories are from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. 

Qualifications
Eligible for the position as project assistant are individuals with at least master degree in history or another relevant area or the equivalent of a foreign degree. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with significant experience in paleography and archival research. 

Good writing and oral communication skills in French and English are a requirement. 

The selected candidate is expected to work in close collaboration with the PI. 

Desirable qualifications
·        Prior experience of historical research, archival research, network analysis, and coding is a significant merit
·        Very goof knowledge of Excel, SPSS and R represent significant merits for the employment
·        Good ability to work independently and in groups
·        Good ability to organize and to carry the work forward 

Application
The application must be written in English and include the following documents:  

1. A brief cover letter describing the applicant research experience, research interests and suitability for the project (about 2 p)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about academic degrees (with copies of the degrees), expertise, employments, list of publications
3. A list of 2-3 reference persons including their positions and contact details
3. A copy of the 30 credit master’s degree project thesis (or equivalent) 

The application is to be submitted via e-recruiting system Varbi, no later than October 1st, 2019. 

Further information
The project assistant is a 6 months full-time position (100%) starting on the January 1st, 2020 unless otherwise agreed. The selected candidate is expected to contribute to the development of the research environment in history and presence on-site in Umeå is desirable.  

For more information about the employment, contact Associate Professor Elise Dermineur Reuterswärd (090-786 68 27, elise.dermineur@umu.se) or Head of Department Jonas Nilsson (090-786 99 90, jonas.nilsson@umu.se ). 

For information about the department, see Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.  

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Special fixed-term employment
Employment expires 2020-06-29
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2020-01-01 or upon agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1248-19
Contact
  • Jonas Nilsson, Head of Department, +46 90-786 99 90, jonas.nilsson@umu.se
  • Elise Dermineur Reuterswärd, Associate Professor, +46 90-786 68 27, elise.dermineur@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, +46 90-786 53 65
  • SEKO, +46 90-786 52 96
  • ST, +46 90-786 54 31
Published 03.Sep.2019
Last application date 01.Oct.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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