8/3/10

 fyi (as received)

Elisabeth

-------

Postdoc in the History of Religions

University of Troms=3DF8, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences =
and=3D20
Education, Department of History and Religious Studies

Deadline: April 15, 2010
Mark application: REF 2010/837

A postdoctoral position is available in the History of Religions at
the=3D20
University of Troms=3DF8, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences =
and=3D20
Education, Department of History and Religious Studies. The position
is=3D20
a three(3)-year temporary appointment.

The successful candidate is expected to do research that fits under
the=3D20
broad heading, "Religious innovation in Northern Scandinavia and/or=3D20
Northwest Russia."

The Department of History and Religious Studies is an international=3D20
leader in research on religions in Northern Scandinavia, including=3D20
research on Sami religions, Laestadianism and contemporary =
religious=3D20
trends. This postdoctoral position on religious innovation in
Northern=3D20
Scandinavia and/or Northwest Russia will amplify the department's=3D20
competence in this broad area. The research project is open with
regard=3D20
to methodological and theoretical approach, as well as historical period
=3D

and type of religion, but it must relate to Northern Scandinavia
and/or=3D20
Northwest Russia as a point of departure and empirical focus, and to the
=3D

topic of religious innovation and entrepreneurship.

Given the current view of religions as non-static, dynamic entities, the
=3D

distinction between (1) natural changes that take place within=3D20
pre-existing forms of religions, and (2) religious innovation, is
more=3D20
or less vague. It is nevertheless the case that the extent and intensity
=3D

of innovation is not uniform across time and space, and that periods
of=3D20
increased innovation can be delimited. Internal as well as external=3D20
factors may contribute to such variations. Among factors and
conditions=3D20
that might motivate innovation are, for example, cultural and/or=3D20
religious encounters, processes of colonisation and decolonisation,
and=3D20
asymmetric power relations in local, regional, national and=3D20
international contexts.

The project is part of the University of Troms=3DF8, the Faculty of=3D20
Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, and the Department of History
=3D

and Religious Studies' strategic focus on Arctic and Northern =
issues,=3D20
and might be conducted in cooperation or dialogue with other =
ongoing=3D20
research projects. All of the historians of religions and several of the
=3D

historians in the department have somehow dealt with religious=3D20
innovation in their research. Ongoing research projects include CNN=3D20
(Creating the New North), a larger study in which religion is one
among=3D20
many topics, the research school CEPIN (Citizenship, Encounters and=3D20
Place Enactment in the North), as well as projects focusing on Sami=3D20
religious revitalisation, new religions and Laestadianism.

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in history of religions or in
a=3D20
closely related academic discipline. Advanced skills in =
Scandinavian=3D20
languages or English are required.

Applicants should submit an outline of a research project (5-10
pages),=3D20
including a time plan. The candidate is expected to complete the project
=3D

within the timeframe of the position.

Working hours will be reserved for research, research administration and
=3D

other research related tasks. Postdoctoral positions that last for
more=3D20
than two (2) years, as in this case, may also include teaching duties or
=3D

similar work.

For further information about the position and the application
process,=3D20
please contact Associate Professor Siv Ellen Kraft (+47) 77 64 43 90
/=3D20
[log in to unmask] or Head of Administration Hans Petter
Clemetsen=3D20
(+47) 77 64 57 96 / [log in to unmask]

For the full announcement (in Norwegian), see=3D20
https://secure.jobbnorge.no/job.aspx?jobid=3D3D65310

------ End of Forwarded Message

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2732 - Release Date: 03/09/10 07:33:00