Postdoctoral Research Associate (Arabic and Hebrew Sources)

King's College London; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative academic institution is offering a unique opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a groundbreaking project focused on the trade of Mediterranean commodities. This full-time role emphasizes research collaboration and the exploration of historical narratives through primary sources. Candidates will engage with diverse communities and contribute to significant findings in economic and cultural history. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the institution welcomes applications from scholars across all backgrounds, providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.

Benefits

Sponsorship for Eligible Candidates

Diverse and Inclusive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Proficiency in primary sources and secondary literature in at least one target language.
• Experience with medieval/early modern Arabic and/or Hebrew sources.

Responsibilities

• Gather data on the trade of coral, honey, citrus, and cheese.
• Collaborate with a team on the ECOMEDS project.

Skills

Research Skills

Historical Methods

Linguistic Skills

Bibliographic Skills

Palaeographic Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork Skills

Flexibility in Research

Education

PhD in a Relevant Field

Job description

About us

King's History is an intellectual home for scholars worldwide, valuing diverse approaches from micro-histories to quantitative analysis, fostering conversations across periods and regions, and connecting historical research with the broader world.

We pride ourselves on our diverse student body and vibrant community of historians. Our undergraduate curriculum covers world history from early medieval times to the present, with pathways to study every continent in later years. Our MA program similarly offers broad expertise in medieval to modern world history. Our PhD students and early career researchers often secure top positions in their fields.

Currently (2024), we rank 6th in the UK and 23rd globally in History according to QS University Rankings.

About the role

We invite applications for a 2-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position to work on the 'ECOMEDS' project, funded by UKRI Frontier Research Grant (formerly ERC).

The PDRA (Arabic and Hebrew Sources) will gather data on the trade of coral, honey, citrus, and cheese, focusing on Muslim and Jewish communities, collaborating with a team including the Principal Investigator and other Research Associates working in Italy and the Crown of Aragon.

Proficiency in primary sources and secondary literature in at least one target language is essential; proficiency in both is preferred. Knowledge of the history and historiography of the Mediterranean, and familiarity with Islamic and/or Jewish legal texts related to economic and social history, are advantageous. The role involves attending meetings, seminars, conferences, presenting papers, publishing research, and other duties as assigned.

The project explores the interconnectedness of economy, environment, and culture in the Mediterranean c.1250-1550, focusing on commodities like coral, honey, citrus, and cheese, and their roles in trade and cultural exchange.

This is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week position, fixed-term for 24 months, starting 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible.

About you

Essential criteria include:

• PhD in a relevant field
• Strong research skills in historical methods, including linguistic, bibliographic, and palaeographic skills
• Experience with medieval/early modern Arabic and/or Hebrew sources and understanding of related communities
• Good interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
• Flexibility in research approaches

Desirable criteria include:

• Interest in economic/environmental history
• Experience with materials related to Muslim and/or Jewish communities in other regions
• Enthusiasm for research and departmental engagement

Candidates who have submitted their thesis and await PhD award will be considered; appointments for these candidates will initially be at Research Assistant level, with progression upon confirmation of PhD.

Further information

The project examines trade and production of Mediterranean commodities through data analysis and primary source research, involving extensive archival work and independent and collaborative research in economic, cultural, political, and environmental history.

We value diversity and inclusion, aiming to develop candidate pools from all backgrounds. Applications should include a CV and a supporting statement addressing the essential criteria. Strong consideration may be given to the desirable criteria.

Interviews are scheduled for June. We can offer sponsorship for eligible candidates.