Postdoctoral Researcher at Leiden University, Netherlands

About the Position

The Institute for History at Leiden University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Imperial Economic History, focusing on the comparative analysis of monetary flows in empires. As part of the OCW Startersbeurs-funded project ‘Reevaluating Conceptions of Imperial Monetary Flow: New Methodologies and Frameworks’, the position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of ancient and modern economic systems — specifically the Roman Empire and the Soviet Union. This role supports the development of innovative, comparative models that challenge dominant narratives in economic historiography.

Position Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: Leiden University
Department: Institute for History
Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: (0.8 FTE), Fixed-term (Postdoctoral Fellowship)
Start Date (Anticipated): 1 September 2025
Working Hours: Approx. 30.4 hours per week
Salary Range: €4,060 – €4,537 gross/month (scale 10.4 – 11.0 based on full-time)
Main Research Field: Imperial Economic History, Comparative Monetary Systems, Fiscal Flows in Empires

Research Area

Imperial monetary systems (Roman & Soviet case studies)
Pre- and non-capitalist economic frameworks
Trade balances and directed state investment in imperial contexts
Comparative methodologies in economic history
Historical models of finance and development

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in History, Economic History, Imperial or Colonial Studies, or related disciplines
PhD defense must be scheduled before 1 September 2025
Experience with imperial financial data, trade balances, or fiscal systems
Excellent written and spoken English

Preferred Qualifications:

Research experience in Roman and/or Soviet economic contexts
Reading knowledge of Latin and/or Russian
Background in comparative history or quantitative methods
Willingness to relocate to the Netherlands

Key Responsibilities

Conduct original research on imperial monetary systems
Analyze historical fiscal data from Roman and Soviet contexts
Contribute to methodological and theoretical innovation
Teach 1–2 courses per year within Leiden University
Present findings at academic conferences and workshops
Co-author academic publications and contribute to an edited volume
Assist in organizing workshops and events linked to the project

Application Process

How to Apply:
Submit applications via Leiden University’s application portal (click the blue ‘Apply’ button below).

Required Documents (in English, PDF format):

Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae (with publications, if applicable)
Short research essay (~1000 words) in response to the following prompt: “Steven Landsburg, drawing on Angus Maddison’s work, claimed that between the founding of human civilisation and 1800, ‘nothing happened’ in economic terms. J.K. Galbraith similarly argued that pre-17th century economics lacked noteworthy developments. How would you challenge these views? What new research directions might be developed by pushing against these claims?”
Please note: Names and contact details of two referees will be requested after shortlisting.