Postdoctoral Researcher in Contemporary Social History

About the C2DH

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C²DH) at the University of Luxembourg is an interdisciplinary research centre committed to high-quality research and public dissemination in the field of contemporary history with a particular focus on digital methods and tools.
The C²DH's ambition is to venture off the beaten track and find new ways of doing, teaching and presenting contemporary history of Luxembourg and the history of Europe in the 20th and 21st centuries. It serves as a catalyst for innovative and creative scholarship and new forms of public dissemination.

In partnership with the Observatoire national de l'enfance, de la jeunesse et de la qualité scolaire, the C2DH is conducting a research and documentation project on child day care, child and youth welfare, and youth protection in Luxembourg from the 1970s to the present day. The aim of this collaborative project is to contextualize the interpretation of historical data on the situation of children and young people, as well as the systems and policies of childcare and child and youth protection in Luxembourg. The project explores how society, science, and politics have evolved and shaped the world of children and young people in Luxembourg today. It involves gathering and documenting the 'Zeitgeist' of (a) daycare provisions for children aged 0 to 12 (from socio-educational daycare homes to education and reception services, also referred to as non-formal education) and (b) child and youth protection and its legal framework.

We are seeking a scholar in the field of contemporary social history to conduct research in cooperation with the Observatoire national de l'enfance, de la jeunesse et de la qualité scolaire. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in an international and interdisciplinary team with renowned experts in the domains of social history, childcare provisions, and child and youth protection.

Your role

The Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct methodologically innovative, data-driven research in contemporary social history and actively contribute to historical expertise on childcare and child and youth protection in Luxembourg. Documentary research and newly conducted interviews with witnesses are the main methodologies employed in this project. To this end, the Postdoctoral Researcher will organize witness seminars in collaboration with the Observatoire national de l'enfance, de la jeunesse et de la qualité scolaire. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also produce research outputs. The collected materials and the research undertaken will form the basis for defining the next stages of the work to be carried out.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and organize four witness seminars on the contemporary history of childcare and child and youth protection, and publish the edited transcriptions of these seminars in collaboration with the Observatoire national de l'enfance, de la jeunesse et de la qualité scolaire
• Compose a structured oral history archive on the contemporary history of childcare and child and youth protection, and contribute to the digital infrastructure on oral history at C2DH as needed
• Engage in outreach activities such as workshops, conferences, trainings, and teaching. Write reports on childcare and child and youth protection for the general public
• Compose a chronology of the contemporary history of childcare and child and youth protection
• Participate in on-site meetings with the Observatoire national de l'enfance, de la jeunesse et de la qualité scolaire

For any questions regarding the advertised position, please contact Prof. Machteld Venken ().

Your profile

• PhD in history, or alternatively a PhD in humanities or social sciences with experience in conducting historical research
• Ability to meet deadlines and demonstrate methodological, organized, pragmatic, and effective approaches to your work in collaboration with partners
• Fluency in two languages is required (English and French or German); in addition, advanced knowledge in a third language is required (French or German)
• Demonstrable experience in humanities or social science research using oral testimonies

Advantageous:

• Experience in researching the contemporary history of children and youth
• Experience in collaboration with non-academic stakeholders
• Knowledge of digital tools for handling audiovisual data
• Knowledge of the Luxembourgish language
• Experience in organizing scientific events for a broad audience

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online (in English, French or German) and include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter

We ensure a full consideration for applications received by 02/10/2024. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month (possibly renewable for an additional 12 Months)
• Earliest start date: November 2024
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL06744

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 83099 (full time).