Career Development Fellow in French Studies

The Role

This role is one of three that Durham University’s Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies is seeking to fill in association with the Department of History and the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. Three talented researchers and scholars will be appointed to the role of Career Development Fellow to work on the research programme ‘Inventing Futures’, generously funded by Joanna and Graham Barker. The successful candidate for each position will undertake independent research related to one of the three projects outlined in detail above. These are: ‘Forging Social Solidarities during Religious Wars’ (led by Dr Tom Hamilton, IMEMS and History); ‘Daphne and her Sisters: Framing Gendered Violence’ (Professor Ita Mac Carthy, IMEMS and Italian Studies, MLAC); and ‘Imagining Alternatives: Utopia in the World’ (Professor Richard Scholar, IMEMS and French Studies, MLAC). They will take operational responsibility for the IFs project to which they are appointed, working both individually and as part of the project team. They will offer teaching in the School of Modern Languages and join an exciting interdisciplinary team of researchers at IMEMS, where they will work closely with the project’s leaders in French (Professor Richard Scholar), History (Dr Tom Hamilton), and Italian (Professor Ita Mac Carthy).

We welcome applications from those with research interests in French Studies, and the broad field of early modern studies; with related expertise in interdisciplinary methods; and with excellent interpersonal skills of a kind that equips them to work successfully in a collaborative research project and departmental environment.

This post offers an exciting opportunity to develop internationally excellent research/scholarship and teaching while providing unrivalled, tailored support for your career progression at an exciting and progressive institution.

Given the developmental nature of this role it is not anticipated that the post will be extended beyond the initial fixed term. Following the end of the term, the role-holder will be in a strong position to apply for relevant permanent academic roles, should they arise, at Durham or elsewhere.

Successful applicants are normally expected to be within 8 years of completing their PhD, although career breaks for parental leave and/or health reasons will be considered. This is because the roles are aimed at early career academics who would benefit from a structured development programme and provision of both formal and ‘on the job’ training. The posts are also open to those who are returning to academia after a career in another sector.

Successful applicants will, ideally be in post by 1^st September 2025.

The University provides a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.

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