Assistant Professor in the History of Modern Japan

About Trinity:

Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years.   Thrive: Trinity College Dublin's Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030 

Post Summary

The School of Histories and Humanities at Trinity College Dublin seeks to appoint a talented individual to a specific-purpose Assistant Professorship in modern Japanese history (broadly defined as the 19th and 20th centuries). This post will be based in the Department of History, and its primary purpose will be to engage in research and teaching relating to any aspect of the history of modern Japan, to contribute to the teaching of modern history on the Department’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and to supervise postgraduate research in their area of expertise. 

The successful applicant will have a PhD in History or a related field, and the successful applicant must demonstrate a proven ability or evidence of potential to establish a strong record of research and publication in modern Japanese history. 

The starting date for this position will be 1 September 2026.

Post Status: Specific Purpose Contract

This employment is for the specific purpose of filling a vacancy arising from the secondment of a staff member to a role within the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute. Employment is not offered on an indefinite duration basis as the original postholder is expected to return. If the postholder does not return to work, the post will be filled through open competition.

Salary: Appointment will be made on Assistant Professor Salary Scale (109) commensurate with qualifications / experience and in line with Public Sector Pay Policy [€43,425 to €103,582 per annum]

Hours of Post: Hours of work for academic staff are those as prescribed under Public Service Agreements. For further information please follow: http://www.tcd.ie/hr/assets/pdf/academic-hours-public-service-agreement.pdf

Closing date: 12 noon (Irish Standard Time), 11^th May 2026

Applications will only be accepted by clicking on the apply button above. 

How to apply:

Candidates must submit the application by e-recruitment:

• Covering Letter (1 x A4 page)
• Full Curriculum Vitae to include your list of publications and the names and contact details of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses) (maximum of 4 x A4 pages).
• Research plan (summarising research to be carried out in the next three years – maximum of 1 A4 page).
• Teaching statement (summarising teaching experience and approach – maximum of 1 A4 page).
• Outline of a semester-long research-based module suitable for students at either final year undergraduate or M.Phil level (maximum of 2 x A4 pages).

Please Note:

• Candidates who do not address the application requirements above will not be considered at the short list stage.
• Candidates should note that the interview process for this appointment will include the delivery of a presentation. 

Informal enquiries about this post may be made to Dr Joseph Clarke (Head of the Department of History) at joseph.clarke@tcd.ie. 

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