Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sri Lankan History (Fixed Term)

The Faculty of History wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sri Lankan History to work with Professor Sujit Sivasundaram on his UKRI-funded project, 'Colombo: Layered Histories in the Global South City'.

This is a full-time post for three years, commencing 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The prospective early career scholar will focus their attention within the broad field of 'Modern History of Colombo after c. 1850.'

Colombo has a deeply layered imperial past. It came under a succession of European empires, Portuguese (first trading post in 1518), Dutch (1656-1796) and British (1796-1948). It was also pivotal to the early globalisation of Islam and has housed a series of diasporic and minority communities. This project interrogates how invaders and residents made a city in an unstable environment at the centre of the Indian Ocean, in which arose a diverse society, generating an abundance of cultural production and a sequence of violent politics.

We are looking for someone who is educated to degree level, normally with a PhD (or very close to being awarded a PhD) in a relevant discipline, e.g. Modern History of Asia/Modern World History. An established expertise in South Asian/Southeast Asian/Sri Lankan history is desirable.

Candidates should have fluency with the use of research materials in English, Sinhala and/or Tamil and experience of work in archives and collections in Sri Lanka is desirable.

The successful candidate will be able to evidence their ability to publish high quality research, and have proven ability to conduct a research project, producing clear deliverables and adhering to timelines.

We are looking for someone one with the ability and willingness to work collaboratively and to engage in digital humanities research and public -facing work. Experience of working in an inter-disciplinary capacity and an ability to communicate research effectively to both public and scholarly audiences would be desirable.

More information about the Faculty of History can be found here: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk

Candidates should include the following with their application:

1) A statement of interest of 500 words;

2) A CV, including details of two academic referees;

3) Two samples of written work up to 20,000 words either in print or in MS;

4) A research proposal of up to 1000 words on Modern History of Colombo.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Professor Sujit Sivasundaram: sps20@cam.ac.uk.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact hr@hist.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference JJ46063 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.

Advert information