Research Assistant/Research Associate - Ireland and the "ends" of the British Empire (Fixed Term)
The Faculty of History invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Assistants/Associates (PDRA) working on an interdisciplinary research project on 'Ireland and the "ends" of the British Empire', funded by UKRI as part of a project led by Principal Investigator, Dr Niamh Gallagher.
These are three-year fixed term appointments in the first instance, starting on (or as close as possible to) the 1 June 2025.
The successful candidates will conduct research in consultation with the PI based on the archives and areas of interest the PI seeks to explore, as well as on lines of enquiry proposed by the PDRAs and agreed to be pursued by the team. They will also be expected to contribute their own research to the Project, which they can develop in accordance with their own expertise, disciplinary background and interests. They will also work alongside the PI and partners to co-develop a package of public-facing resources.
These roles may require occasional domestic and international travel.
We are looking for candidates with:
i) A PhD (or close to being awarded a PhD) in a relevant discipline, e.g. Modern History, Literature, Politics, Modern Languages or Postcolonial Studies;
ii) Demonstrable experience in working with different kinds of source materials relevant to empires, anticolonialism or postcolonial studies, from the late nineteenth century onwards;
iii) A project proposal that aligns with the objectives of the Project;
iv) A willingness to find out where 'Ireland' mattered in the long arc of British imperial 'unmaking', but prior experience of researching modern Ireland is not essential;
v) Experience of working on sources pertinent (or which could be pertinent) to modern Ireland in any period from the late nineteenth century onwards;
vi) Experience of managing budgets;
vii) Proven ability to conduct a research project, producing clear deliverables and adhering to timelines;
viii) Experience using Microsoft Office; and the ability to learn how to use other software tools, if the Project requires;
ix) Excellent attention to detail, the ability to work as part of a team, and to work independently;
x) An ability to communicate with different audiences and stakeholders e.g. through publications, online content or public events; experience of disseminating research beyond the academic community is desirable but not essential.
More information about the Faculty of History can be found here: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/
The successful candidates will need to meet the role specifications, assessed via a completed application form, Curriculum Vitae (CV), writing sample, covering letter, and two-page proposal describing how their research might contribute to the Project. If shortlisted, the successful candidates will be expected to undertake an initial 30-minute online interview for which questions will be circulated in advance. A further round of shortlisting will then take place before a second in-person interview, in which candidates will be asked to present more fully on their two-page proposal and answer some questions.
Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in the upload section of the online application:
i) A two-page proposal describing your proposed research project and how it contributes to the Project;
ii) A sample of your written work up to approximately 10.000 words (for example, an article or chapter of your doctoral thesis).
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Niamh Gallagher email: nag31@cam.ac.uk
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact hr@hist.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference JJ45335 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.