PhD Position in Environmental/Rural History of Human–Cat Relations and Socioecological Conflict
A 4-year fully funded doctoral position exploring the historical governance and multispecies relations of cats in rural environments.
Best for:Best for historians with a strong interest in environmental history, human-animal relations, and archival research.
Overview
This 4-year doctoral position is part of the ERC Consolidator project FRONTCAT, which investigates cat-related controversies as a complex multispecies governance issue. The successful candidate will conduct an original, archive-based historical study focusing on how cats have been managed and perceived in rural and environmentally sensitive contexts, with a primary focus on Spain and the Canary Islands. The research will bridge environmental history, human-animal studies, and the analysis of socioecological conflicts. Applicants are expected to engage with archival research, historical analysis, and the production of peer-reviewed academic outputs.
What you'll do
- Identify and access relevant municipal, provincial, and institutional archives to build a curated documentary corpus.
- Conduct rigorous historical analysis linking governance instruments and expert debates to shifting human-cat relations.
- Produce a doctoral dissertation grounded in environmental or rural history.
- Participate in internal FRONTCAT seminars and comparative discussions with other project subprojects.
- Prepare and submit peer-reviewed journal articles based on the doctoral research.
- Engage in public dissemination of research findings where appropriate.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in History or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Spanish (Excellent proficiency required).
Instruction: Spanish
- Excellent proficiency in Spanish.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct archival research.
- Strong background in environmental or rural history.
- Capacity to engage with interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks.
- Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent at the time of appointment.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-03-04 (Europe/Lisbon)
Interested candidates should submit their application via email to the contact person. Ensure all required documentation is included in the submission.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
Contact
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