Position Details
School of History and Cultures
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2028
Closing date: 1st September 2026
The start date for this post is 1st January 2027
Background
We seek to appoint a Postdoctoral Fellow in African History for an 18-month fellowship contributing to the University's research environment and teaching provision. The Fellow will engage in a programme of research agreed with their mentor. They will also support the delivery of African Studies and History programmes in the School of History and Cultures. This post is funded by an endowment that enables members of staff at sub-Saharan African Universities to spend a period of time at the University of Birmingham. The post is therefore limited to applicants currently based on the African continent and affiliated with an African Higher Education Institution.
Role Summary
- Focus on high quality research and publications in History and/or African Studies
- Undertake research within their area of historical specialism
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results
- Contribute to the research environment of the Department and wider School and University.
- Contribute to the teaching delivery of History and African Studies in the School of History & Cultures
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Analyse and interpret data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to teaching design and delivery: convening undergraduate and postgraduate modules; delivering lectures and seminars; designing and marking student assessments; supervising dissertation students where appropriate; supporting teaching-related activities where appropriate
- Contribute to public engagement activities that support the strategic objectives of the College and University
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
Person Specification
- A PhD focused on the history of Africa and/or African diasporas. PhD must have been examined and passed between 1 st June 2021 and 1 st June 2026. (Candidates whose thesis has been submitted and are awaiting examination are not eligible to apply.)
- Currently based on the African continent and employed by or affiliated with an African Higher Education Institution.
- Candidates must EITHER not currently hold a permanent academic position OR submit, with their application, a statement confirming that they will be released by their home institution for the period of their appointment at the University of Birmingham.
- Evidence of research activity and publications appropriate to the candidate's stage of postdoctoral career.
- The ability to construct a convincing and achievable research and publication proposal in the field of African History.
- Ability to contribute to undergraduate and Masters’ level teaching in African Studies and History.
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
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Informal enquiries to Juliet Gilbert, email: [email protected]
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .
