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- Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking research on New Christian material culture and social status.
- Company: Join the prestigious King's College London, ranked 6th in the UK for History.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vibrant academic community, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Dive into early modern history and make a real impact on global historical narratives.
- Qualifications: MA in Early Modern History and reading skills in Spanish or Portuguese required.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with diverse perspectives and a commitment to community.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 42600 £ per year.
Overview
Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Research Field History
Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country United Kingdom
Application Deadline 5 Oct 2025 – 00:00 (UTC)
Type of Contract Other
Job Status Full-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
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 6thbest History department in the UK, and 23rd in the world, according to QS University Rankings.
About the role
Full-time one-year Research Assistant to work on the ERC project New Christian Materiality 1450-1750 (Materia), which will start on January 1, 2026. The project is based in the Department of History, King’s College London. The RA will be expected to work closely with the PI, Professor Francisco Bethencourt, and the rest of the project team, composed in the first year by two PDRAs, and one PhD student. The purpose is to build a database with all the bibliographical information on New Christians and material culture that is relevant to the research. Research will be guided by the following question: How did New Christians use material culture to enhance their social status?
There could be a research mission to the archives of Lisbon and Funchal. The researcher must have the capacity to participate actively in teamwork while developing this line of inquiry.
This is a full-time, fixed term post starting from 1st January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter for 1 year.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- MA in Early Modern History
- Reading capacity of Spanish and Portuguese (at least one of these languages)
- Awareness of early modern Southern Europe and New Christian history
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Minimum knowledge of database operations
- 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.
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.
Details
Grade and Salary: £39,076 – £42,819 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 125045
Close Date: 05-Oct-2025
Contact Person: Professor Francisco Bettencourt
Contact Details: francisco.bethencourt@kcl.ac.uk
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Research Assistant in Early Modern Global History employer: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Contact Detail:
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Early Modern Global History
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your professors, colleagues, or anyone in the field of Early Modern History. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant projects or workshops. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you meet people who share your interests. Plus, it shows potential employers that you're proactive and passionate about your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the department and its current projects. Knowing about King’s College London’s focus on diverse historical approaches will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about joining our community at King’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Early Modern Global History
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Assistant in Early Modern Global History. Highlight relevant experience, especially any work related to early modern history or database operations. We want to see how your background fits with our project!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and knowledge, especially in relation to New Christian history.
Show Off Your Language Skills: Since reading capacity in Spanish and Portuguese is a must, make sure to mention your proficiency in these languages. If you have any relevant experience using these languages in research, be sure to include that too. We love seeing candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about King’s College London and our vibrant community.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
✨Know Your History
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of early modern history, especially regarding New Christians and their material culture. Being able to discuss specific examples or case studies will show your passion and understanding of the subject.
✨Language Skills Matter
Since reading capacity in Spanish and Portuguese is essential, practice discussing historical concepts in these languages. Even if you're not fluent, demonstrating your willingness to engage with these languages can impress the interviewers.
✨Show Team Spirit
This role requires teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a project or worked closely with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Database Know-How
Familiarise yourself with basic database operations, as this will be crucial for building the bibliographical database. If you have experience with specific software or tools, mention them during the interview to showcase your technical skills.
