Summer Research Placement (Part Time, Fixed Term)

To mark our 25th anniversary at CRASSH, we plan to put together a history of how and why the centre was founded, its evolution, and its impact on research at Cambridge and beyond. We are looking for a Cambridge PhD student or a postdoc to lead this project. The work will involve conducting informal interviews with a range of people who have interacted with CRASSH over the years, hunting down important information in School and University records, and drafting a narrative of around 1500-2000 words. Training in historical methods and/or journalistic experience may be an advantage, but we will consider all applicants who can persuade us that they have excellent writing skills, an eye for details, and the confidence to interview very senior figures in and beyond the University. You will need to work independently but in consultation with the management team at CRASSH.

Funds are available for up to 30 hours in the first instance, and the work may be carried out on a timetable that suits you between 1 July and 20 September 2026.

This opportunity is restricted to PhD students currently registered at the University of Cambridge or employees of the University or one of its Colleges who have postdoctoral status. Payment will be at the University's usual rate for research assistance, namely £17.74 per hour (Grade 5, Spine point 036) for PhD students and £20.26 per hour (Grade 7, Spine point 041) for those who have been awarded a PhD.

Please send a CV and a brief covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and what skills and experience you would bring to Mette Rokkum Jamasb, Centre Manager, CRASSH by midnight on Sunday 28 June. You should ask a referee to send a note of support by the same date. References do not need to be long but should comment on your ability to conduct effective interviews, to synthesize information, to write in a clear and engaging style, to work independently, and to manage deadlines. For PhD student applicants, this reference must be supplied by your supervisor.

Please quote reference VM49861 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.