Research Associate Job In UK 2024

Research Associate/Fellow in Photographic History

The Department of History at the University of Nottingham is inviting applications for a Research Associate/Fellow specializing in Photographic History, particularly focusing on colonial Southeast Asia. This position is part of the AHRC-funded project titled “Resettling the Colonial Lens: Photography and the (Re)Making of Malaysia’s New Villages.” This multidisciplinary and transnational project, spanning three years, aims to explore the role of photography in documenting, critiquing, and reshaping the history of resettlement during the late colonial period in Malaya.

The project seeks to address a pivotal question: How has photography served as a medium in recording the history of resettlement in late-colonial Malaya? During the Malayan Emergency (1948–60), photography was utilized extensively by the colonial state to document various aspects of this tumultuous period, particularly the resettlement of rural populations. Under a counterinsurgency initiative, nearly half a million residents were relocated into hundreds of camps, later termed “New Villages,” in a bid to diminish support for the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). The “Resettling the Colonial Lens” project not only examines historical photographic documentation but also investigates contemporary uses of photography in reinterpreting and rewriting the narratives surrounding resettlement in Malaysia.

Qualifications and Experience

To be eligible for this position, applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion) or have equivalent qualifications in photographic history or related disciplines. Candidates should possess experience in working with historical photographs, especially those linked to colonial Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on Malaya and Malaysia. Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English are required, along with the ability to meet deadlines and manage administrative responsibilities efficiently.

The University of Nottingham is committed to fostering diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. This includes individuals of any gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation, or any other irrelevant distinction. The department holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognizing its commitment to advancing gender equality.

Application Process

Shortlisting for this position will be conducted anonymously, ensuring that no personal data is visible until after the selection process is complete. Candidates will be evaluated based on criteria-based questions directly related to the role specification, rather than traditional CVs or cover letters.

This fixed-term contract will run until December 31, 2027, with the expected start date of January 1, 2025, or soon thereafter. The role is full-time, comprising 36.25 hours per week, though job share arrangements may be considered. The successful candidate will participate in scheduled online and in-person meetings in Nottingham while also undertaking significant research in London and other locations.

Support and Benefits

For any informal inquiries regarding the position, candidates can reach out to Professor Jeremy E. Taylor via email at jeremy.taylor@nottingham.ac.uk. However, applications must not be sent to this email address.

The University offers a variety of benefits to support its employees, detailed on the university’s benefits website. The institution welcomes applications from candidates in the UK, Europe, and worldwide, aiming to facilitate a smooth transition for new employees relocating to Nottingham.

Salary for this position ranges from £31,387 to £46,485 per annum, depending on skills and experience, with a minimum of £34,866 for candidates holding a relevant PhD. Progression beyond this scale is based on performance.

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