Postdoctoral Researcher in Early Modern History, DeepCattle ERC project (3 years)
Prof Eugene Costello is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Early Modern History to join his ERC project, 'DeepCattle: The Deep History of Commercial Cattle Farming in Europe, c.1240-1840'. The successful candidate will work with Prof Costello and the rest of the DeepCattle team to examine changes in farming practices, landholding and trade associated with the commercialisation of cattle farming, with a focus on early modern Scotland and Ireland (c.1450-1700).
This is a period in which administrative records about property, production and commerce start to become plentiful for livestock-focused areas of Europe. Many of these records remain under-exploited, however. The Postdoctoral Researcher will undertake research on manuscript sources from Scotland and Ireland in order to uncover evidence for the growth of commercial cattle droving and dairying in these countries, and understand how this development transformed rural society and the wider economy. Moreover, by joining DeepCattle, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to expand their international network and develop an interdisciplinary profile. The deadline for applications is midday (Irish time) on 20 November 2026. More information can be found at the application portal below: