Postdoctoral Research Fellow

THIS JOB HAS NOW CLOSED

The opportunity

Fixed Term Contract of 24 months

University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking to appoint a highly motivated post-doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to work on a research project entitled Cold War and ‘Other’ Narratives’, led by Principal Investigator Professor Mark Sealy in collaboration with IWM (Imperial War Museums) London.

This fellowship will pave the way to grow an ambitious and impactful programme of joint research and knowledge exchange activity between the college and the museum.

The critical research tasks are to investigate and examine through the archives of the IWM the diverse or buried stories that have impacted independence movements throughout the West’s colonial territories. Using the Cold War as a dominant narrative, the research process aims to perform forensic work on the ideological perspectives that influenced and shaped the majority world’s move to independence. In understanding our contemporary global political climate, we must continuously examine how East/West relationships post-Second World War concerning the pre-post-colonial eras have shaped our world, and critically investigate how images produced within the context of Cold War politics have framed and shaped the making of Allies and constructed ‘Others’. The project aims to present a different or alternative visual framework to create new understanding concerning processes of liberation across the colonised world, and how images have been articulated, framed and put to work in cultures that have aided the construction of a dominant narrative concerning post-colonial political formations.

About you

You will have :

Experience conducting postgraduate (doctoral) research

A postgraduate research degree (PhD) in relevant subject area (essential)

An awareness of and interest in the challenges and opportunities of working collaboratively (desirable)

Knowledge commensurate with the scope of the research project – Cold War histories, decolonisation, visual culture, photography, archival research etc. (essential)

An interest in public history in the context of heritage and the museum sector (desirable)

Specialist research expertise and proven ability to co-ordinate and manage research tasks (essential)

Proven ability to work independently and prioritise workload

If you have any queries about this role or need any reasonable adjustments for your application, please contact Lesley Wilkins, Senior Resourcing Adviser, lcc.jobs@lcc.arts.ac.uk or telephone: 020 7514 7985

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

Our culture

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to be members of the Race Equality Charter (REC) and Business Disability Forum, are a Disability Confident Scheme Committed and Living Wage employer and maintain our status as a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

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