PhD position History of Working Animals, University of Groningen - Netherlands

PhD position History of Working Animals (1,0 fte)

Job description

Animals have been employed by humans for a variety of purposes and especially dogs have been trained to perform a wide range of tasks. In the twentieth century the training of working dogs gradually became more specialized and institutionalized. Crime-fighting dogs were trained for the police and war dogs were used (and misused) in the army; whilst search-and-rescue animals helped both soldiers and civilians. In these cases, the human-animal bond resembled an employer-employee relationship. In other cases, such as those of guide dogs, therapy dogs and other service dogs, the animals acted as close family members and significantly improved the quality of life for disabled people. The need to enhance these animals' suitability for such specialized purposes supplied scientists with useful research questions; in turn, dog breeders' and trainers' practices could benefit from the results of animal behaviour research. Different societal and cultural attitudes have also exerted an influence on the nature and extent of the reliance on working animals. Philanthropic associations have played a crucial role in raising funds for the provision of service dogs, whereas the training of police and army dogs has usually enjoyed state support.

Proposals are welcome that cover any aspect of the history of working dogs, the history of animal behaviour research with relevance to dog training; the history of charities supporting service dogs; problems of citizenship, gender, ethics, disability and their relevance to the history of the human-animal bond. Moreover, proposals on the history of working animals other than dogs will be considered as well.
Candidates are expected to complete a PhD dissertation within a four-year period.

Requirements

• university graduate
• MA degree in history, cultural studies, history of science or another relevant field
• strong motivation to complete a PhD dissertation in four years
• proven affinity with the subject
• indication of research preferences and strategies for the elaboration of the PhD
• proven research abilities.
• fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of further languages may be an advantage
• willingness to participate in the curriculum of the graduate school.

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers a salary of 2,042 gross per month in the first year to 2,612 gross per month in the fourth year (figures based on full employment). The full-time appointment is temporary for a specified period of four years.

Affiliation
The PhD candidate will be affiliated with ICOG (the Research Institute for the Study of Culture at the Faculty of Arts) and the Department of History, and will be enrolled in the research training program of the Graduate School for the Humanities.
The position requires residence in Groningen, 38 hours/week research and research training, and must result in a PhD dissertation. After the first year there will be an assessment of the candidates' results and the progress of the project to decide whether the employment will be continued.

Please use the guidelines of the ICOG application format to write your application. See http://www.rug.nl/let/onderzoek/onderzoekinstituten/icog/applicationFormat

Interviews will presumably take place in the course of February.

Starting date of the PhD project: as soon as possible; exact starting date is negotiable.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Organisation

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 27,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigeous partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

The university provides a career advisory service for partners of new staff who move to Groningen.

Additional information

Dr Monika Baár (for further information on the project), phone +31 50 3638931, e-mail: m.baarrug.nl

Marijke Wubbolts, MA (for practical information), phone +31 50 3637336, e-mail: m.r.b.wubboltsrug.nl

Guidelines of the ICOG application format: http://www.rug.nl/let/onderzoek/onderzoekinstituten/icog/applicationFormat

Further application procedure see: www.academictransfer.com/7717

Application Deadline 31-Jan-11