The Department of History in King’s College London invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate to collaborate on a UKRI FLF project, Medicine and the Making of Race, 1440-1700, led by Dr. Hannah Murphy. This project aims to develop a global prehistory of race through the lens of medical encounters with enslaved and free Black Africans forcibly caught up with the early years of the slave trade. It asks key questions about the role of European medical practitioners in the increasingly systematic enslavement of African peoples both in Europe and in the Americas, as well as examining the way in which medical treatments of and encounters with ‘foreign bodies’ informed developing ideas of race.

The PDRA will have the opportunity to develop and lead a strand of research which meets the objectives of this project. They will be expected to produce research outputs appropriate to their career stage and their plans for future career development. The PDRA will also be required to undertake specific, designated research in archives and libraries which support the PI’s research and publications. This will require travel, up to a maximum of one month per calendar year, as well as on site work in libraries and archives in the UK.  The PDRA will be expected to contribute to the project’s ambitious impact and engagement strategy, working to engage a broad variety of stakeholders.  They will be expected to maximise the academic impact of this project by leading and designing workshops, planning conferences and presenting work in a broad variety of settings. The ideal candidate for this position is ambitious, imaginative and flexible, able to work collaboratively and independently. The scope of this project is trans-regional and to assist Dr. Murphy in her work, the PDRA will add linguistic and archival competency in at least one of the following languages and historical geographies: Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch.

The PI is committed to supporting the PDRA’s career-development, by cultivating their intellectual and academic trajectory and programme of work, and by providing support for training and career development. This postdoctoral position will provide the selected candidate with an opportunity to work and develop in one of the most dynamic history departments in the UK, and the successful candidate will be offered opportunities to contribute to department life, through teaching, relevant committee work, collaboration, and mentorship.

Applicants are asked to provide a CV, writing sample, and a statement (c.1200 words max), clearly articulating a proposal for their own research plans and how they would contribute to this project. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present on their research plans in interview. It is understood that these plans may be preliminary and that there will be room for them to develop and change over the course of the project.

King’s College London particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented in the Department of History. All applications from members of groups with protected characteristics that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the Equality Act are welcomed.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 3 years. Visit King’s College London’s job page for the full description and to apply.