Postdoctoral Research, UNSEEN project
Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Grade 7, point 1-3: £39,424 - £41,636 per annum
Full time
Fixed-term 2 years + 1 year (24 months with the possibility of extending it for one additional year subject to project progress)
About the Role
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, you will join the interdisciplinary UNSEEN project, conducting original research into slavery, ransoming mechanisms, and the circulation of Islamic material culture and knowledge between the Ottoman world and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Your research will draw on Ottoman and Arabic archival documents, pious endowments relating to the ransoming of enslaved Muslims, and literary sources such as captivity accounts.
You will undertake archival research in Türkiye, produce academic publications, present your research internationally, co-organise workshops and conference panels, and contribute collaboratively to the wider UNSEEN project.
About You
You hold, or are close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in early modern history, Ottoman history, or Islamic art history, with research interests relevant to slavery and/or the circulation of material culture and knowledge across geographical boundaries. You have excellent knowledge of Turkish and Ottoman Turkish and experience working with relevant archival sources. You are able to conduct innovative, independent research while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Application Process
You will be required to upload a CV, a supporting statement, a sample of written work, and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should explain how you meet the selection criteria for the post, using examples of your skills and experience.
The closing date for applications is 12.00pm on Friday, 20 November 2026.
