Details
1103131
University of Warwick
27/10/2025
Other - See Job
18 hours per week. Flexible working.
Not Applicable
Pay
£22.26
£2.69
Description
Role
An opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the new ERC-funded project HAGAF: Histories of Asia’s Gendered Armed Frontiers, 1780–2021, led by Professor Mandy Sadan, Global Sustainable Development, at the University of Warwick.
The postholder will undertake historical and ethnographic research on the archives of the Chittagong Hill Tracts held at the British Library in London, mainly during the period 1780-1948. The postholder will work closely with the project’s Principal Investigator to identify, analyse, and interpret archival materials, with a focus on identifying ways to develop a gendered analysis of these materials.
The role requires advanced research skills, the ability to work independently, and a strong grounding in historical and/or ethnographic methods with demonstrated knowledge of the India-Bangladesh-Myanmar region and a demonstrated academic interest in gender.
A brief outline of the project can be seen here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/schoolforcross-facultystudies/gsd/gsdnews/conflict_gender_grant/
The work can be undertaken remotely and away from Warwick campus. The postholder must have access to a stable internet connection for the conduct of their work and to engage in regular online meetings with the PI and international project members. The postholder must live within a reasonable commuting distance from London. Although materials can be scanned/photographed to work with away from the library, it is expected that the postholder will work regularly in London site. Support will be provided for commuting costs where train or bus travel originates outside Greater London. Subsistence will not be paid as a regular expense.
This role can be combined with another role on our website, please search this ID on our website: 1103125
Duties and responsibilities
- Conduct systematic archival research in the British Library collections relating to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. A bi-weekly workplan will be developed in consultation with the PI to manage and prioritise the large amount of material likely to be encountered
- Identify, and summarise relevant documents, manuscripts, and other sources with a focus on their implications for the study of gender.
- Produce detailed research notes and preliminary findings for use by the wider project team.
- Contribute to the preparation of academic outputs, presentations, or public-facing materials as required. The researcher will also be encouraged and supported to develop a single-authored or collaborative peer reviewed published output from their work, if appropriate
- Participate in regular project meetings and maintain clear communication with the Principal Investigator.
- Provide clear workplans and accounts of time spent, including formal timesheets
Skills and experience
Essential
- Advanced research skills, with training in history, anthropology, or a related discipline at postgraduate level. This will ideally be at doctoral or post-doctoral level, but other experience will also be considered for the right applicant.
- Demonstrated knowledge and interest in the study of gender
- Demonstrated Knowledge of the history of the British Empire in South Asia or related areas.
- Demonstrated experience in archival research, including the ability to handle and interpret primary sources.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to work independently.
- Excellent written communication skills, with attention to accuracy and detail.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the Chittagong Hill Tracts or related borderland/frontier regions.
- Experience of ethnographic or interdisciplinary research methods.
- Familiarity with South Asian languages relevant to the archives (e.g. Bengali, Urdu, or regional languages).
- Experience contributing to collaborative, grant-funded research projects.
Location
Remote or Hybrid (The postholder must live within a reasonable commuting distance from London. More info in job)
Additional information
Closing Date: 30/10/25
To apply, please submit:
- A detailed academic CV.
- A cover letter (maximum 3 pages, A4) that outlines your relevant experience and explains how you meet the requirements of the specific post(s) you wish to be considered for.