The Indian Ocean World Centre (IOWC), McGill University, welcomes applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Indian Ocean World History, starting in September 2019. This position is for one year, with possibility of renewal for a second year.
The IOWC is interested in postdoctoral candidates working on the environmental and socio-economic history of the Indian Ocean World – a macro-region extending from eastern Africa to East Asia. Of particular interest are projects that examine the wide-reaching impacts of historical climate change and environmental catastrophes.
Successful candidates will work with IOWC Director, Gwyn Campbell, and a vibrant IOWC community of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and affiliates. In addition to their own research, fellows will be expected to participate in and help organize IOWC activities, including a weekly Speaker Series, conferences, Graduate Working Paper Series, and multidisciplinary research projects, as well as to assist in the teaching of IOW history.
Eligibility
Scholars who received their PhD after December 2016, or who will have completed their PhD degree requirements by August 2019 in any discipline applicable to Indian Ocean World History are eligible to apply. We particularly encourage applications from scholars with the ability to conduct archival research an IOW language(s). A high standard of written English is expected and editing experience desirable. Experience with digital humanities and GIS is an asset – and a willingness to learn necessary. A valid work permit will be required from international postdoctoral scholars for registration.
Salary
The annual salary for this position is $34,100 CAD.
Applications must include:
- a statement of interest and research proposal (maximum 2 pages)
- a full curriculum vitae
- two letters of recommendation, sent directly from the referees
- a writing sample, not to exceed 20 pages
All materials (item 3 directly from the referees) should be sent electronically to gwyn.campbell (at) mcgill.ca and iowc (at) mcgill.ca in a single message under the title: IOWC Postdoctoral Fellowship. For questions about the Fellowship, please contact Prof. Gwyn Campbell at gwyn.campbell (at) mcgill.ca.
All applications must be submitted in full by May 15th, 2019
About the Indian Ocean World Centre
The Indian Ocean World Centre (IOWC) is a McGill University research centre that promotes the study of the history, economy and cultures of the lands and peoples of the Indian Ocean world (IOW). This macro-region witnessed the early emergence of major centres of production and a monsoon-based system of trans-oceanic trade that led by the BCE/CE changeover to the emergence of a sophisticated and durable system of long-distance exchange of commodities, monies, technology, ideas and people. The IOW was thus home to the first “global” economy, one that dominated the macro-region until at least the mid-eighteenth century, some would argue the nineteenth century, and which is again resurgent. Today the IOW comprises 50 percent of the planet’s population and is forecast to become the leading world economy by 2020.
The IOWC pursues an interdisciplinary approach inspired by French historian Fernand Braudel (1902-1985) who posited history as an ongoing interaction between human and natural forces, encompassing geography, environment, climate and disease.
McGill is a world-renowned university located in the cosmopolitan metropolis of Montreal, Canada. Founded in 1821, McGill has 21 faculties and professional schools, which offer more than 300 programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. McGill attracts renowned professors and researchers from around the world and top students from more than 150 countries, creating one of the most dynamic and diverse educational environments in North America.
