PRR Project

Summary

The NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities, through RU Institute for Medieval Studies (IEM) is actively looking to enhance its academic staff by recruiting an Assistant Research in Medieval Studies, specifically in the thematic of Communities and Landscape. This position is intended for a researcher working on medieval communities and landscapes. It is aimed at researchers dedicated to diverse types of medieval communities considering their relationship to their living environment (urban, and rural coastal and inland), as well as notions of community in the context of religious orders, and professional collectivities. Analysis of landscapes can include approaches to the construction of human landscapes or natural resource exploitation, animals and plants, land-use practices, and sustainability. Career paths built on interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary methodologies (within the social sciences, with digital humanities, and/or with the natural sciences) will be favoured. The international dimension of the research will also be considered.Key responsibilities: 1.    Develop scientific independent research related to their area of specialization, thus actively contributing to the renewal and ongoing improvement of the scientific knowledge. Generate and disseminate high-quality research findings, including (but not exclusively) in international, peer-reviewed journals, monographs, books, and catalogues of exhibitions, catalogues; Attend on workshops and conferences, participate in organizing committees and deliver talks by invitation. 2.    Contribute to a thriving research environment by aiding in the development and execution of the strategic project of the IEM and NOVA FCSH’s strategic research agendas in Territories and Sustainable Environments, Memory and Heritage, Arts and Humanities. 3.    Create and submit applications for competitive research funding with significant impact on the field. 4.    Promote the dissemination of research data (Open Science) through the means provided by the IEM. 5.    Consolidate skills in collaborative work with academic and non-academic institutions, setting the ground for future partnerships and social engagement, and networks within and outside the research community. 6.    Supervise students by providing mentoring and advice. 7.     Actively develop efforts to establish meaningful collaborative work with academic and non-academic institutions, setting the ground for future partnerships and social engagement and strengthening established partnerships.Requirements: 1. PhD degree in History, Archaeology or Art History. 2. Specific expertise on the analysis of medieval communities and/or landscapes. 3. Previous experience in the design of research projects, including call for projects with competitive funding/other funding. 4. Relevant experience working in research projects with interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary teams (as team member, team coordination and/or managerial responsibilities). 5. Outstanding research qualities demonstrated through an established track record of relevant publications, including peer-reviewed, international journals, books, and other relevant outputs. 6. Previous experience in dissemination activities aimed at non-academic publics (e.g. exhibitions, publications, open talks). 7. Active member of relevant networks (academic and non-academic) in the research topics covered. 8. Strong focus on societal engagement and knowledge exchange with relevant stakeholders (such as Municipalities, Museums, Monuments) and society in general.Rationale:In the context of IEM, the relevance of this position translates, in scientific terms, into the consolidation of an area of medieval studies – transversal and multidisciplinary – which is a hallmark of the Institute and of NOVA FCSH’s own historiographical research since its foundation. Additionally, most impact activities aimed at the general public have been, and will continue to be, deeply rooted in this area of research, whether with multiple local communities with whom IEM maintains partnerships, or with other entities, such as archives, libraries, and monasteries. This position considers NOVA FCSH strategic lines, with special relevance in the following axes: Territories and Sustainable Environments, Memory and Heritage, Arts and Humanities; the focus on the impact that cultural events - such as exhibitions and open conferences – have on disseminating research results to the broad public, is particularly relevant in this context.