We invite applications for a Research Associate in Bibliography and Natural History Humanities for the tenure of 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027. This role is funded by an exciting collaboration between the University Library Research Institute and the University’s Collections-Connections-Communities Strategic Research Initiative (CCC). The University Library’s Munby Fellowship is being matched with funding from CCC through an Isaac Newton Trust Strategic Research Grant to facilitate Natural History Humanities research inspired by Cambridge collections across its galleries, libraries, archives, museums and Botanic Garden. The Fellow will be free to pursue research of their choosing in any area that brings together the wide fields of Bibliography/History of the Book and Natural History Humanities. The proposed research project should be based directly or indirectly on the collections of the University and Colleges of Cambridge and of benefit, in the broadest sense, to scholars using those collections in the future. Proposals working across Cambridge collections, and which make connections between library/archival collections and those in galleries, museums or the Botanic Garden, are especially welcomed. The Fellow is also expected to participate fully in the life and activities of the University Library and CCC’s Natural History Humanities programme, e.g. through participation in public engagement programmes (comprising activities such as talks, seminars, displays, participation in social media, and other events).
The Fellowship is open to postdoctoral scholars in any discipline of any university and nationality. Applications will be evaluated by a panel comprising the Electors to the Fellowship and the following criteria will be considered:
- Academic record of the candidate, taking into account the career stage of the applicant
- Suitability of the research proposal working across the fields of Bibliography/History of the Book and Natural History Humanities.
- Potential of the research proposal to be of benefit to future scholars using the collections of the University and Colleges of Cambridge
- Evidence of ability to contribute fully to the life and activities of the University Library and other institutions across collegiate Cambridge
It is expected that a non-stipendiary fellowship at Darwin College will be offered to the successful candidate.
Fixed-term: 24 months.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our institution.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please note you will need to upload a statement outlining your research proposal (a maximum of 2 A4 pages) alongside your covering letter and CV, as well as completing the online application form. Please include details of three referees; references will only be taken up for shortlisted candidates.
The closing date for applications is Friday 17 January 2025. Online interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on Thursday 27 February 2025 and the position starts on 1 October 2025.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Dr Suzanne Paul, Keeper of Rare Books and Early Manuscripts (sp510@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference VE44196 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.
