Research Associate: Pandemic Sciences Institute

About the role

The Faculty of History and Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI) seek a post-doctoral researcher to investigate the relationship between epidemics/pandemic disease and conflict (civil and international), with a view to understanding the relationship between epidemics and conflict, and will be based in both the Faculty of History, George Street, and Pandemic Sciences Institute, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford. We are especially interested in researchers whose interest and experience lies in the Asia-Pacific region. The aim of this project is to enhance pandemic preparedness by identifying factors which contribute to resilience against pandemics. In particular, we are interested in projects which would provide insight into pandemic preparedness/management at times of conflict or rising international tension.

The Role

The successful candidate will perform academic research in accordance with specified themes and support the Principal Investigator in his academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, e.g. to co-ordinate aspects of work and meet deadlines. They will also prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining theories as appropriate, and represent the research network at external meetings/seminars, including meetings with policy makers and public health and other professionals.

About you

You will hold a doctoral degree in the history of medicine or a subject closely related to the research project advertised (e.g. history of conflict and/or the Asia-Pacific Region). Candidates who have submitted their dissertation will be considered, subject to successful examination. You will also possess sufficient specialist knowledge of the discipline to work within established research programmes and devise original projects which contribute to them, and have a willingness to gain subject expertise relevant to the project and learn appropriate methodologies. A knowledge of the history of infectious disease, and socio-governmental approaches to disease, or the history of medicine in global context; experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project; and knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region (particularly international relations) would be desirable.

Application process

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Professor Mark Harrison, Professor of the History of Medicine [email protected] . All practical and procedural queries should be sent to our recruitments team: [email protected]. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision. 

As part of the online application process, you should provide a supporting statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees.

Only applications submitted online and received before noon Monday 6th May 2024 will be considered.

Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. You may also receive updates on the status of your application via the same means.

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