Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Exeter, ENGLAND
Deadline: 21 Feb 2023

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (Geography Department)

This new full time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 31 July 2025. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

Summary of the role

You will provide support for Nicola Thomas in their role as the Head of Department, primarily in relation to their research but also contributing to education and other activity as needed.

The purpose of this role is to primarily assist in the delivery of a broad portfolio of research and engaged research, working with Nicola, community partners and student researchers. In the first year the role will focus on research activities currently underway which are informed by decolonial imperatives  around different pillars of work. The role will provide some editorial assistance to the Journal of Historical Geography, supporting Nicola in her role as Editor. Specific opportunities to support the research assistants teaching experience portfolio will be available, for example, through guest lectures, or through mentoring UG student research interns.

The portfolio of research that will be the focus on the research assistant role includes:

  • A decolonising science project addressing the collecting practices of palaeo-scientists, interviewing paleo-scientists.
  • A decolonial heritage project contributing to a website linked to the controversial statue of Redvers Buller in Exeter and public engagement activities around this site.
  • Development of a decolonial heritage project, opening up the hidden histories of the Charles Wade at Snowshill Manor, a National Trust property in Gloucestershire, with connections to transatlantic plantation economy on St Kitts.
  • Development of a decolonial craft project, addressing the regional historical geographies craft production and their colonial connections. 
  • Development of a decolonial heritage, craft and exhibitions project, linked to the 1903 Delhi Durbar. 

    • Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

    The University of Exeter

    We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

    Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

    Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

    With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

    Benefits

    We offer some fantastic benefits including:

    • 41 days leave per year
    • options for flexible working
    • numerous discounts at leading retailers
    • onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
    • sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
    • stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

    This job will be located in the Department of Geography, University of Exeter, based on the Streatham Campus in Exeter UK. Exeter Geography offers a vibrant community that offers a friendly and stimulating environment in which to work. This role will be located in the Cultural and Historical Geography Research Group, and the successful candidate will join a community of academic researchers who are internationally recognised as 6th in the UK for our world leading Geography and Environmental Studies research. 

    Further information

    Please contact Nicola Thomas, Head of Geography, Professor of Historical and Cultural Geography. Email [email protected] .


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