Research and Innovation Associate

Location: Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Woodstock Road OX2 6GG

Hours: Full Time

Contract type: Fixed-term (16 months from 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter). 

About the role 

We are seeking to appoint a Research and Innovation Associate to join an established research team, reporting to the Project Lead.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering a larger research project by leading and contributing to research across three defined work packages. As a core member of the research group, you will undertake high-quality research while working collaboratively with colleagues and project partners to achieve the project's objectives.

In addition to conducting research, you will provide expert guidance and support to other members of the research team, including Research Assistants, collaborators and project volunteers, drawing on your specialist knowledge and experience. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

The individual will engage in practice-led heritage research on a series of 19c collections in Pavia (Italy), which will involve regular visits to Italy over the duration of the project. Their main tasks will be to co-plan and co-deliver a public exhibition with the Project Lead (to be held in Pavia in Winter 2027), and to co-produce a creative catalogue drawing on this exhibition and other project events and activities. They will attend project events (including in Italy in November 2026, Ethiopia in January 2027, and Oxford in March 2028 subject to contract length), and will contribute to other planned publications through their research into the collections.

A commitment to undertaking community-led, equitable, and creative methods in both research and practice-led activities is essential.

To learn more about the project visit: https://italiancolonialafterlives.mml.ox.ac.uk/

About you

You hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, and have practical experience working with colonial-era museum and photographic collections. You are fluent in both Italian and English. Knowledge of other relevant languages, such as Amharic, Arabic, Somali, or Tigrigna, is considered an advantage.

The duties and skills required are described in further detail in the job description, click the 'Apply' button above. 

Application process

As part of your application you will be required to upload your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement of no more than one page, using 11-point font, setting out how you meet the selection criteria for the post, using examples of your skills and experience.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Thursday 13 August 2026. Only applications received before this time can be considered.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on Friday 4 September 2026 via MS Teams. Candidates shortlisted for interview will also be asked to complete a practical exercise.

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