Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: University Library, Cambridge

Cambridge Digital Humanities and Cambridge University Library are pleased to invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a major new research project: Materialising Open Research Practices in the Humanities and Social Sciences (MORPHSS). The position is available full time for up to 36 months from February 2025 and will be based jointly at both departments. It forms part of a larger portfolio of library-led research projects supported by the University Library Research Institute.

The role holder will undertake research for the MORPHSS project to devise ways to encourage and embed innovative open research practices within humanities and social science disciplines. MORPHSS starts from the idea that although there are varied and rich cultures of open research in the humanities and social sciences (HSS), these practices often remain at the periphery of HSS research because of both institutional pressures shaped by research cultures and the dominance of a scientific understanding of openness imposed on HSS disciplines. Over 36 months, the project will: catalogue, pilot and showcase experimental open research practices in the HSS; explore how to support these practices for the development of a nuanced conception of openness that is appropriate for HSS disciplines and distinct from more traditional understandings of 'open science'; and devise and implement strategies for materialising and sustaining these HSS-appropriate open practices more widely.

Led by Dr Samuel Moore (Cambridge University Library), MORPHSS will involve significant interdisciplinary collaboration, including with the Co-Leads at the University of Southampton , University of Sheffield  and Coventry University . The role holder will focus on two strands of work on open research in the humanities: long-form publication (books) and collaborative peer review. The main activities will be reviewing the literature, producing a database of relevant open practices in HSS, supporting case studies and workshops on open research in HSS, and writing up findings. They will also be involved in designing a network to advocate for HSS approaches to open research. 

The successful candidate will have a strong academic record, hold a PhD in a relevant humanities subject and have an interest in how humanities research is conducted and disseminated. We are particularly interested in hearing from researchers with an interest in digital humanities, research on research, critical/experimental methodologies and open research cultures. 

To submit an application for this vacancy, please click on the link in the 'Apply online' section of the advert published on the University's Job Opportunities pages. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. 

The closing date for applications is 1 December 2024. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact sam214@cam.ac.uk. Interviews will take place during the week of 16 December 2024 with a start date of 3 February 2025. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Flexible and hybrid working patterns will be considered. 

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

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

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