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- Tasks: Conduct innovative research in American history and lead engaging seminars for PhD students.
- Company: Prestigious University of Cambridge with a rich academic heritage.
- Benefits: Three-year fellowship, career development opportunities, and support for visa applications.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on American history while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in any field of American history.
- Other info: Join a vibrant academic community and contribute to meaningful discussions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge welcomes applications for the Mellon Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, a three-year postdoctoral fellowship open to those working in any field of American history from the colonial period to the twenty-first century. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate who has or is close to obtaining a PhD in a relevant specialist subject area.
Candidates for this post will be expected to demonstrate that they have undertaken research that is original and innovative and that will, when published, make a substantial contribution to American history. They will also be expected to demonstrate an interest in contributing to the promotion of American history at Cambridge.
The Mellon Research Fellow will be expected to pursue their own research across the full period of the fellowship. The postholder will also be expected to convene the American History Workshop, a weekly seminar in which PhD students present dissertation chapters and advance their professional development. They will also be expected to become a regular participant in and contributor to the Cambridge American History Seminar.
Position is full-time and fixed-term for three years. Successful candidates who have not been awarded their PhD by the appointment date will be appointed as a Research Assistant at Grade 5. Upon award of the PhD the individual will be promoted to Research Associate, Grade 7.
The University of Cambridge has a UK visa sponsor license and we will be able to offer advice and support you with your application if you need a visa to work in the UK.
QualificationsApplicants must hold or be close to receiving a PhD. In addition to those with PhD in hand, we can consider applicants who plan to submit the PhD thesis by the start of the fellowship. Applications are open to those working in any field of American history from the colonial period to the twenty-first century.
Application materialsApplications should include a cover letter, a two-page statement of proposed research, a curriculum vitae, a sample of written work of approximately 10,000 words, and details of two referees who have knowledge of the candidate's work. Referees will only be contacted at the longlisting phase of the search.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Contact InformationInformal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Professor Lucy Delap, Chair of the Faculty of History. If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact.
University of Cambridge - UK - Mellon Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Fixed Term) employer: H Net
Contact Detail:
H Net Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land University of Cambridge - UK - Mellon Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former fellows and faculty members at Cambridge. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into your research topic. Be ready to discuss how your work contributes to American history and how you plan to engage with the academic community at Cambridge.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to present your ideas, let your enthusiasm shine through. It’s not just about what you know, but how much you care about it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out, so take advantage of them and get your foot in the door.
We think you need these skills to ace University of Cambridge - UK - Mellon Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your research interests and how they align with the fellowship. We want to see your passion for American history and what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Research Proposal: In your two-page statement of proposed research, be clear and concise. Outline your innovative ideas and how they will contribute to the field of American history. Remember, we’re looking for originality, so don’t hold back!
Polish Your Written Work Sample: Select a writing sample that best represents your academic prowess. It should be around 10,000 words and demonstrate your ability to conduct original research. We want to see your analytical skills and how you communicate complex ideas.
Get Your Referees Ready: Choose referees who know your work well and can vouch for your research capabilities. Make sure to inform them in advance, as we’ll only contact them during the longlisting phase. A strong recommendation can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at H Net
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research in detail, including its significance and how it contributes to American history. Be prepared to explain your methodology and the innovative aspects of your work, as this will show your depth of understanding and passion for the subject.
✨Engage with the Faculty's Work
Familiarise yourself with the ongoing research and seminars at the Faculty of History. Mention specific faculty members whose work resonates with yours and be ready to discuss how you could contribute to the American History Workshop and other initiatives.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the direction of the faculty’s research or how they envision the role of the Mellon Fellow evolving over the three years. It shows your genuine interest and engagement with the position.
✨Showcase Your Teaching and Mentoring Skills
Since you'll be convening workshops and mentoring PhD students, highlight any previous teaching or mentoring experience. Share specific examples of how you've supported others in their academic journeys, as this will demonstrate your capability to fulfil this aspect of the role.
