RHN 40/2020 | Opportunity
Research Project “From Collection to Cultivation: Historical Perspectives on Crop Diversity and Food Security”, Department of History and Philosophy of Science (HPS), University of Cambridge, UK
Closing date for applications: 15 May 2020
Applications are invited for two Research Associate positions, each with a fixed-term of 36 months, working on a Wellcome Trust-funded project on the recent histories of food, agriculture, and crop science to start on 1 September 2020 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The successful candidates will be based in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) at the University of Cambridge and will be collaborators in the research project “From Collection to Cultivation: Historical Perspectives on Crop Diversity and Food Security” led by Dr Helen Anne Curry.
Eligible candidates must have a PhD in history of science, agricultural history, environmental history, historical geography, or science and technology studies. Knowledge of the history of 20th and 21st agriculture and/or life sciences is essential. Eligible candidates will also have experience in independent archival fieldwork and, more generally, in historical research methods. They must be highly motivated and should have excellent time management, organisational and communication skills, and be able to work well as part of a team.
The successful candidates will work full-time on this project, producing single-authored articles for international academic journals such as History of Science, Environmental History, and Agricultural History.
The successful candidates will be based in Cambridge and expected to attend regular project meetings. They will also contribute to the project in other ways, including participating in project seminars and workshops, helping to organise workshops, and contributing to the project website.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.
Applicants are able to upload a maximum of three documents, these should be arranged as follows:
1) Cover letter, curriculum vitae and full list of publications combined into one document. Please include weblinks or doi's for your publications, where possible. 2) A description of your research plans and an explanation of how your research will contribute to the project "From Collection to Cultivation" through the study of either (1) the history of plant introduction, or (2) the history of utilisation of crop collections. This should not exceed 1,000 words. 3) One sample of original written work in a related area. If you are unable to upload your work samples, please email these as attachments to hpsjobs@hermes.cam.ac.uk, ensuring that you include your surname and job reference number (JN22435) in the email subject line and in the file names.
Please provide the names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with your work. We will contact the referees of shortlisted candidates directly to request references (unless you advise that you do not wish us to do so). Referees will be asked to comment specifically on the candidate's ability to undertake this role in the Department.
Please quote reference JN22435 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information: download pdf