The Department of Architecture (Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Heverlee Campus, KU Leuven) has vacancies for two postdoctoral researchers (1.0 FTE 36 months) for the ERC-funded project: URBAN-DELTA: Metropolises in the Mud. Innovation in Delta Building Technology in Europe and China before 1800, directed by Prof. dr. Merlijn Hurx (PI). We are looking for internationally oriented candidates with an excellent research file.
Deltas are among the most urbanised and wealthiest regions of the world. Today, their very existence is threatened by climate change. Innovative solutions are urgently needed, and delta cities around the globe have joined forces to confront the climate crisis. The dependence on innovation for their survival is, however, not a recent phenomenon but has a longer history. Surprisingly, little is known about the specialised skills and knowledge shown by earlier civilisations in constructing and protecting these cities.
The aim of URBAN-DELTA is to attain an entirely new, multidisciplinary understanding of technological innovations by tracing and explaining their historical emergence in the production of the built environment in Eurasian deltas before 1800.
Profil Postdoc 1: Construction Techniques and Knowledge in the Yangtze River Delta before 1800e
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will identify what was considered building know-how specific to the Yangtze River Delta with its early ‘megapolises’ (e.g. Hangzhou, Suzhou, Yangzhou). You will trace the development of a range of techniques for building in marshy urban conditions, particularly in the Song and Ming dynasties.
Requirements:
You have an academic university degree (PhD) in Architecture (architect and/or architect-engineer), Architectural History, Art History, Archaeology or Chinese Studies.
Proficiency in reading ancient text, both Literary Chinese and written vernacular Chinese, as well as in writing academic English.
Experience with archival research and (building) archaeological surveys.
You can demonstrate excellent academic results or have distinguished yourself in a comparable way during your academic career. You are able to illustrate your research skills through peer-reviewed (journal) articles or a book publication.
Postdoc 2: Construction Markets in Deltas in Europe and China before 1800
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will examine how markets structured the construction industry in the Po, Rhine–Scheldt–Meuse, and Yangtze deltas. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative sources, you will explore how and when competitive markets developed and identify the conditions that either fostered or impeded the commercialisation of building services and the trade in materials
Requirements:
You have an academic university degree (PhD) in Economic History, Architecture (architect and/or architect-engineer) or Architectural History.
Proficiency in reading Dutch and either Italian or Chinese, as well as in writing academic English.
Experience with archival research.
Experience with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
You can demonstrate excellent academic results or have distinguished yourself in a comparable way during your academic career. You are able to illustrate your research skills through peer-reviewed (journal) articles or a book publication.
Interested? See: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60620925?lang