Research Associate in Early Modern Global History

About us

King\’s History is an intellectual home for scholars of every region of the world, who use approaches which range from local micro-histories to large-scale quantitative analysis. We particularly value conversation between scholars of different periods and places, with different approaches. We also value the close connection between historical research and the world beyond the academy.

We are proud of our diverse, ambitious student body, and of the lively community of historians they form. Our undergraduate curriculum introduces students to world history from the early medieval period to the present; it then offers students pathways to study every continent through their second and third years. Our MA provision is similarly broad, developing students\\\’ expertise in medieval, early modern and modern world history. Our PhD students and early career researchers are appointed to many of the top positions in their field.

We are currently (2024) the 6th best History department in the UK, and 23rd in the world, according to QS University Rankings.

About the role

Applications are sought for a full-time three-year Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Prof. Francisco Bethencourt, conducting research for the ERC Advanced Grant Project “New Christian Materiality, 1450-1750” [MATERIA].

MATERIA is a five-year project that investigates the material culture of the New Christians of Jewish origin. The purpose is to understand how these intercontinental traders sourced objects and commodities, created markets and shaped patterns of consumption.

What you will get in return:

• Work at the centre of a world capital with a top intellectual environment
• Work with a community of historians who are very well rated in all university rankings

The PDRA will be expected to work closely with the PI, Professor Francisco Bethencourt, and the rest of the project team, composed of two other PDRA, two PhD students, and one Research Associate. Archival work will be required in Rome, Lisbon and Madrid. The purpose is to write one academic article and a monograph within the three years of the contract. Research will be guided by the following question: How did material culture reflect gender issues within this ethnic elite? The analysis of houses, villas, palaces, and endowed chapels owned by New Christians will be at stake, as well as collections of art, furniture and exotica in inventories of property. New Christian gendered roles in sourcing objects and materials from different cultures, marketing and diffusing them will be scrutinised. The researcher must have the capacity to participate actively in teamwork while developing this line of inquiry.

This is a full-time post, and you will be offered a fixed-term contract from 1st January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter for 3 years.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD awarded in Early Modern History*
2. Reading capacity of Italian, Spanish and Portuguese (at least two of these three languages)
3. Reading capacity of archival documents of the 16th and 17th centuries in these languages
4. Awareness of early modern Southern Europe and the New Christian history
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable criteria

1. Minimum knowledge of database operations
2. Capacity for preparing meetings related to the expertise area

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King\\\’s. It is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our “How we Recruit” pages.

Interviews are scheduled for 21st October.