Overview
Research Associate in Early Modern Global History – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
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.
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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.
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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
Full-time two-year Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on the ERC project New Christian Materiality 1450-1750 (Materia), specifically on New Christian Visual Materiality, which will start on January 1, 2026. The project is based in the Department of History, King’s College London. 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.
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The purpose is to contribute to the preparation of an exhibition and to write two academic articles. Research will be guided by the following question: How did New Christians use material culture to enhance their social status, market their commodities, and shape patterns of consumption? 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. The researcher must have the capacity to participate actively in teamwork while developing this line of inquiry.
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This post will be offered on a full-time fixed term contract from January 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter for 2 years.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
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Essential criteria
- PhD awarded in Early Modern History*
- Reading capacity of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian (at least two of these languages)
- Awareness of early modern Southern Europe and New Christian history
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable criteria
- Awareness 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.
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* 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.
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