Postdoc in History, focus on British 20th Century History of Medicine

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society.

The Department of History of Science and Ideas is a dynamic research environment with strong profiles in history of science, intellectual history and history of medicine. It is Sweden’s largest centre for study within this field and is internationally renowned for its research.

Project description: ActDisease is a five-year research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) with a Starting Grant (ERC-2021-STG 101040999).  The project studies the history of 20^th century medicine and the role of lay involvement in science through analysis of so far largely neglected, but central actors in medical history: patient organizations. These groups first emerged in the late 19^th century, and this project is the first historical analysis of these early patient organizations’ role in shaping ideas about illness and medical practices.

The ActDisease project gathers an interdisciplinary research team to analyse the publications and archives of selected patient organizations from Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom and France using a combination of traditional and computer based methods. Besides the PI, the team consists of a research engineer and a research assistant, one history postdoc focusing on the UK (this position), one history postdoc focusing on France, and one Digital Humanities postdoc.

Duties: This employment as postdoctoral researcher involves a two year full-time post with the possibility of one further year extension provided sufficient funds. The work consists of pursuing research on the history of patient organizations in the United Kingdom, using a combination of qualitative and computer-based analysis methods.

Requirements: PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in the humanities or social sciences. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of the employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. Excellent language skills in English are a requirement. Research experience in modern British history is a requirement.

Additional qualifications: Emphasis will primarily be placed upon academic merits in selecting candidates. Ranking will take place on the basis of the quality of the academic merits. Particular weight will be given to research completed within the field of history of medicine and science, history of social movements, history of voluntary associations and/or transnational European history. Experience with digital methods for historical research and additional European language skills are an advantage. Great importance will also be placed on the ability to work independently and personal suitability.

Please visit the University home page for more information on the project, position, and application procedure, by clicking the 'Apply' button.

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