The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.
Oxford Lifelong Learning in the Department for Continuing Education is seeking to appoint a Researcher to support the recently-awarded Namelessness in History project, funded by the Volkswagen Stiftung. If you are interested in exploring the histories of marginalised individuals and groups and have experience in using digital methods to uncover hidden pasts, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
The Nameless in History seeks to generate a bank of resources that will support future generations of historians in studying people who are not named in historical sources. The role involves providing research support to the Oxford-based PI, Dr Jamie Wood, and communicating and collaborating with other project partners and co-PIs at the University of Bonn ( https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/048-2026).
The role will involve producing case study materials relating to the phenomenon of nameless in the Middle Ages, contributing to a collaborative bibliography with research assistants at the University of Bonn, supporting the organisation of project events, attending a project workshop in Oxford (likely in September 2027), and engaging actively and constructively during the course of the research. The roleholder will be expected to familiarise themselves with digital approaches to the study of namelessness in history and to consider how namelessness relates to their own research specialism, especially from a linguistic perspective.
Opportunities will also be provided for the successful candidate to contribute to published outputs from the project and to present their work at research events.
This is a part-time role which offers the opportunity for hybrid working.
About You
You are working towards a doctorate in History or a cognate subject (e.g. Archaeology, Classics, Art History) and may have some experience of using your language and/or digital skills to research the roles and experiences of marginalised individuals and groups in the past.
You will possess the ability to manage your own work and communicate its results effectively in writing and other formats (e.g. orally), both to other members of the project team and externally.
You will play a key role in the team, helping to develop innovative, accessible and ethical approaches to studying nameless people in the past, and shaping a toolkit that the project will generate to help future historians study the nameless.
About us
The Department provides opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to benefit from the University’s rich and unique resources. We are ambitious and forward-thinking, with a strong sense of identity and community. Our mission is to inspire people locally, nationally and globally by extending access to Oxford’s world-class teaching and resources through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research.
Colleagues uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of the Department and actively promote a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
Application Process
You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement of not more than 3 pages, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 09 June 2026
Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date and will be online.
Bring your expertise to the University of Oxford and be a part of a community that values creativity, diversity, and excellence.
The University of Oxford is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of their background.
