Research Associate in Italian Renaissance Studies (Fixed Term)

The AHRC-funded project, Italian Renaissance Objects and Spaces of Encounter (ItalianROSE), seeks to appoint a full-time postdoctoral research associate for a one-year period (starting in September 2024).

The project is based at the Universities of Cambridge (PI: Professor Mary Laven) and St Andrews (CI: Professor Emily Michelson). This post will be based primarily in the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge, where the successful applicant will work under the supervision of the PI, Professor Mary Laven. The PDRA will divide their time between the History Faculty and the Fitzwilliam Museum, spending at least 20% of their time at the Museum, where they will be supported and supervised by the Keeper of European Sculpture & Decorative Arts, and work with other colleagues. A parallel PDRA (Dr Alexandros Hatzikiriakos) is based in the School of History at the University of St Andrews and the two PDRAs will be expected to work closely together and with the rest of the team.

The project places foreigners, migrants and minority groups at the centre of the long Renaissance in Italy. It will explore the complex ties and interdependencies supporting cultural production in this period, challenging long-held assumptions about what was 'Italian' about the 'Italian Renaissance.'

Moving beyond the study of specific minorities, it investigates the fundamental diversity and connectedness of Italian society and culture. The focus will be on objects and spaces which reveal the influence of foreign actors, materials, designs and production techniques on the culture of the Renaissance. We are looking for someone with expertise in early modern studies and the history of material culture who is educated to degree level, normally with a PhD in a relevant specialist area.

Experience of disseminating research beyond the academic community and a familiarity with relevant languages and fluency in Italian is desirable.

This position will involve some international travel to conduct research/attend meetings/work with collaborators in Italy.

Some evening or weekend work may be required in order to run or attend project-related events.

Please ensure you upload the following documents when you apply:

1) A cover letter, which includes a description of your proposed research project

2) Your curriculum vitae, including details of research experience, educational qualifications, publications and work in progress

3) A sample of your written work up to approximately 10,000 words (for example, an article or chapter of your doctoral thesis)

More information about the Faculty of History is available here: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 August 2025 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact Professor Mary Laven: mrl25@cam.ac.uk .

For questions regarding the application process, please email hr@hist.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference JJ42518 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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