The University of Aberdeen invites applications for a Research Fellow to join the Northern Colonialism: Historical Connections, Contemporary Lives programme. This new research initiative is part of the University's strategic investment in northern research and aims to foster path-breaking interdisciplinary research on the processes and impact of colonialism in The North. The programme builds upon existing expertise in Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Geology and is structured around three themes: Economies and Politics, Environments, and Cultural Transformations. The North is defined here not so much by latitude as by the intersection of climatic, environmental, historical, geopolitical and cultural conditions, all of which come together to give the region a significance for the future of life on earth quite out of proportion to its relatively sparse human population.
The regional and temporal specialties of the successful candidate can be open, but should fall within the remit of the programme as a whole. You will be encouraged to take a broad-based approach to northern colonialism and to focus on the ways in which it has been understood across various academic disciplines. We welcome proposals with a wide geographic frame to enable comparative analyses. Topics could range from resource extraction, governance, Arctic geopolitics, histories and philosophies of science to exploration, mercantile histories or migration histories. Time frames examined could span the 17th century through to the 21st century.
You should have a PhD degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, History or related discipline. We welcome applications from candidates with experience of research in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, history or a related discipline. Experience of working across a combination of these areas is desirable.
This post, funded by the University for three years will commence on 1st October 2012, or as soon as possible thereafter. Starting salary will be the first point on the Grade 6 scale (£30,122 per annum). Consideration will be given to making an appointment at Research Assistant level in the first instance (salary range £25,251 – £28,401 per annum) for individuals in the final stages of completing their PhD.
Should you require a visa to undertake paid employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship and Tier 2 visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Heather Crabb, HR Adviser, h.crabb@abdn.ac.uk for further information.
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Alison Brown (alison.brown@abdn.ac.uk). To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs quoting the job reference number SOC011R. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 16 July 2012.