Postdoctoral Research Associate, 11 months full time
Salary range: £37,912 rising to £43,333
Start date: 1 September or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date for applications: 30 June 2019
The Department of History at Birkbeck College, University of London,
invites applications for a full-time Post-Doctoral Research Associate
post for 11 months, to work with Dr Jessica Reinisch as part of a new
HERA project on The Scientific Conference: A Social, Cultural, and Political History
The project explores the evolution of scientific and medical
conferences as public spaces where knowledge is defined and exchanged,
communities are shaped, and international relations are performed. We
will trace the history of their emergence and development
over the long twentieth century, study their various forms, and
identify their inclusionary and exclusionary effects.
Project partners are Professor S. E. W. Widmalm (Uppsala University,
Sweden), Dr Jessica Reinisch (Birkbeck), Dr Charlotte Bigg (Centre
Alexandre Koyré, France), Dr Geert Somsen (Maastricht University,
Netherlands). UK-based Associate Partners include the
Science Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich.
The Post-Doctoral Research Associate will assume responsibility for a
case study that contributes to the project strand on 'Scientific and
medical experts and the conferences of international organisations, ca.
1920 – 1965'. The case study will be based
on archival research and will help to shed light on the nature, work
and impact of scientific experts at the conferences of international
organisations in the interwar, war and post-war decades. Research
questions for this project strand include:
- What roles did scientific and medical experts perform at these conferences, and with what results?
- Of what significance were the locations and formats of the conferences?
- How important were these organisations' conferences to their programmes, mandates, self-representation and public perception?
- To
what extent and by what means did these conferences give rise to a new
'public sphere' for internationalists of the post-war era, complete with
their own language and cultural practices?
- In what formal and informal ways did conferences reflect and shape international relations
and wider geopolitical realities?
The Post-Doctoral Research Associate's work is expected to lead to academic publications.
In addition to research on the case study, the Post-Doctoral
Researcher will be involved in all aspects of the project and Birkbeck's
Centre for the Study of Internationalism so as to gain valuable
professional and intellectual experience.
Applicants must have, or expect to obtain shortly, a PhD with a
specialisation in modern history, the history of science, technology and
medicine or related field. Prior experience of conducting archive
research is essential, as is the ability to work in
a team. Working knowledge of a relevant language other than English is
highly desirable. A commitment to distributing academic knowledge widely
and accessible is highly desirable, as is a demonstrable interest and
track record in the themes and facets of the
project.
The position is based in London but will require travel to the
relevant archives. Research expenses for these trips are included in the
post.
The position will start on
1 September 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter.
To apply, please click on apply below and provide a CV, a research
statement of up to 1,000 words, and a statement explaining how your
background and interests fit the position's requirement.
Remuneration
Grade 7 of the College's London Pay Scale which is £37,912 rising to £43,333 per annum.
The salary quoted is on the College's London Pay Scale which includes
a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose
normal contractual place of work is in the Greater London area.
Enquiries
If you would like to know more about the role please click on apply below or contact Dr Jessica Reinisch, via
j.reinisch@bbk.ac.uk.
If you have technical issues or difficulties using the recruitment portal please contact
jobs@bbk.ac.uk, providing your name and the job reference number of the position.
While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.
Birkbeck offers a competitive salary & pension scheme, 31 days
paid leave, flexible working arrangements & some of the most
generous benefits in the HE sector, all while being located right in the
heart of Central London with access to all its facilities.
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The
College is committed to improving the gender & cultural diversity of
its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award, membership of WISE,
operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
Interviews will take place on 12 July 2019.
To apply, please find the application portal
here.
