PhD in Urban History at University of Groningen

About the Program

The University of Groningen invites applications for a fully funded PhD position (1.0 FTE) in Late Medieval and Early Modern Urban History, focusing on Urban Governance in the IJssel Region, c. 1450–1600. Based within the Centre for Historical Research, Faculty of Arts, this doctoral project will be supervised by Dr Arie van Steensel. The research explores governance, politics, and society in the towns of Deventer, Kampen, Zwolle, and Zutphen, examining how authorities and citizens interacted to shape urban society. Using archival sources in Middle and Early Modern Dutch, as well as digital tools such as Transkribus and geospatial analysis, the project contributes to debates on power, governance, and well-being. This position offers an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant international research environment and complete your doctorate in four years with teaching and public engagement opportunities.

Program Details

Position: Fully funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: University of Groningen
Department/Faculty: Faculty of Arts – Centre for Historical Research
Supervisor: Dr Arie van Steensel
Location: Groningen, Netherlands
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
Duration: 4 years
Funding: Full funding, salary €3,059–€3,881 gross/month + 8% holiday allowance + 8.3% end-of-year bonus
Working Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in History or related field

Research Focus/Area

Late Medieval and Early Modern Urban History
Urban Governance in the IJssel Region, c. 1450–1600
Political, social, and economic history of the Low Countries
Archival research in Middle and Early Modern Dutch
Digital humanities tools (Transkribus, GIS, geospatial analysis)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in History or related area (preferably medieval/early modern history)
Proficiency in English and Dutch (spoken and academic writing)
Experience with archival research and palaeography

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with Middle and Early Modern Dutch sources
Knowledge of German is an advantage
Experience with digital tools such as Transkribus or GIS
Strong analytical and methodological skills
Motivation to pursue PhD research within the N.W. Posthumus Institute training programme

Key Features of the Program

Fully funded doctoral position with competitive salary
Participation in structured PhD training (N.W. Posthumus Institute)
Opportunities for teaching (0.4 FTE over years 2–4)
Support for conference participation and research dissemination
International research environment in a leading European university

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit your application online via the University of Groningen application form.

Required Documents:

Motivation letter (approx. 1000 words)
Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages) with two referees
Copies of Master’s diploma and transcript
Master’s thesis or alternative academic writing sample
If still completing your degree: a supervisor’s statement on progress and expected completion date