Applications are invited for the post of part-time Research Assistant in the Faculty of History. These are three fixed-term posts (at 50% FTE), for one year, starting as soon as possible.
This post is financed by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, following an award of funds to support the study of American History at the University. The posts represent an excellent opportunity for candidates who are seeking to develop an academic career in American History. Candidates are expected to have completed three years of doctoral research in American History, but need not yet have secured their doctorate.
The posts involve supporting the research activities of three University Lecturers in American History. In particular, support to their projects:
Post 1: Religious beliefs of early twentieth century African American civil rights leaders, which studies how religious belief shaped the direction of civil rights protest in the years before Martin Luther King. The research will involve the consultation of a range of printed and microfilm materials in the Bodleian and Vere Harmsworth Libraries, as well as online sources. These include the secular and religious newspaper press, autobiographies, personal papers, and the papers of the major civil rights organizations.
Post 2: The development of the twentieth century American state, which studies the growth of federal state capacity in the United States during the twentieth century, with particular reference to federal responses to natural disasters. The research will involve the consultation of a range of government documents, newspapers, and periodicals in the Vere Harmsworth Library.
Post 3: The United States and the world in the nineteenth century, which studies the foreign relations of the United States in the nineteenth century, with particular reference to the Monroe Doctrine and the Anglo-American relationship. Those with research interests that include British, as well as American, history are especially encouraged to apply. The research will involve the consultation of a range of printed and microfilm materials in the Vere Harmsworth Library, as well as archives in London and online sources.
The appointees will be required to carry out a range of research-related activities to facilitate this work, which may include occasional administrative tasks.
The salary will be in the range of £24,403 to £25,888 pro rata (restricted to the first three points due to funding). Further particulars may be obtained from the Administrator at the address below (tel. 01865 277253 or email administrator@history.ox.ac.uk).
Applications with a full curriculum vitae and summary of research interests (one double-sided copy), together with the names and addresses of two referees, should be sent by 12 noon on 19 May 2008, to the Administrator, History Faculty, Old Boys' High School, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL. Applicants should contact their referees and arrange for references to be sent to the Administrator of the History Faculty by the closing date. Applications should not be made by email.