Vacantes: 3 PhD researchers ERC research group IberLAND “Beyond Property. Law and Land in the Iberian World (1510-1850)”. Max Plank Institute

Deadline: October 15, 2021. The Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt/Main is seeking three PhD Researchers (m/f/d) for the ERC research group IberLAND: Beyond Property. Law and Land in the Iberian World (1510-1850), directed by Dr. Manuel Bastias Saavedra. Positions commence March 2022 and focus on one of the following case studies:

• Goa (and Old Conquests), 1510-1630
• New Spain, 1520-1630
• Cape Verde, 1600-1730

About the role

IberLAND explores the history of land tenure in a long-term, global perspective by examining the territories of the former Portuguese and Spanish empires. The project challenges the diffusionist narrative of European property concepts by focusing on land relations as sets of social relations between people and land. It investigates how law was produced at the local level through the interplay of practice and doctrine, applying this framework to six case studies: New Spain, Goa, Cape Verde, Spain, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and complete a doctoral dissertation within the research group’s framework, focusing on one of the specified regions and temporal foci.
• Discuss, publish, and disseminate research findings in collaboration with other group members.

Requirements

• University degree in history, law, anthropology, or a related field, completed with above-average success.
• Master’s degree at the time of signing the PhD contract (candidates already enrolled in a PhD program worldwide are welcome).
• Full proficiency in Portuguese and/or Spanish; good knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regional focus is an asset but not required.
• Demonstrated potential to conduct research at an internationally high level.
• Ability to work meticulously, meet deadlines, and operate independently.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary, archival, and comparative work.
• Capacity to play an active, collaborative role in the research group.

Benefits

• Attractive, international work environment with unparalleled research infrastructure.
• Opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary international research group with continuous scientific exchange.
• Access to a comprehensive library and possibilities for research stays in Germany and abroad.

Pay

Full-time positions (39 hours per week) paid at 65% of the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), level E13.

Schedule

Fixed-term appointments for three years; in exceptional cases, an extension of up to one additional year may be granted.