Research Associate/ Fellow in Photographic History

The Department of History at the University of Nottingham is seeking a Research Associate/ Fellow in Photographic History (with a particular focus on colonial Southeast Asia). The purpose of this role is to work on the AHRC-funded project ‘Resettling the Colonial Lens: Photography and the (Re)Making of Malaysia’s New Villages’. This is 3-year, multidisciplinary and transnational project which aims to respond to the following question: What role has photography as a medium played in documenting, critiquing and re-writing the history of resettlement in late-colonial Malaya? Photography was a key medium through which the colonial state sought to document the Malayan Emergency (1948–60). This was particularly so for resettlement. Under this counterinsurgency scheme, almost half a million rural residents of colonial Malaya were moved into hundreds of resettlement camps – later re-labelled ‘New Villages’ (NVs) – in an attempt to undermine support for the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). The ‘Resettling the Colonial Lens’ Project explores not just the way in which photography was used to document resettlement, but also how it is being used today to re-imagine and rewrite histories of resettlement in Malaysia.

The successful applicant must have a PhD (or close to completion) or equivalent in photographic history or related fields. They must have experience of working with/on historical photographs, particularly those relating to colonial Southeast Asia (especially Malaya/Malaysia). They must have excellent oral and written communication skills (and be fluent in English). They must also have the ability to work well to deadlines and to manage administrative demands efficiently.

We warmly welcome applications from under-represented groups, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction. We have an Athena Swan Bronze Award recognising good practice towards the advancement of gender equality in our school.

Shortlisting is anonymous. We cannot see any personal data or the ‘Additional Information’ section in your application until shortlisting is completed. Shortlisting is by criteria-based questions based on the role specification, rather than CV or letter. 

The post is offered on a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2027, post commencing on 1 January 2025 or as soon as thereafter. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours per week). Job share arrangements may be considered. The candidate will be expected to attend scheduled online and in-person meetings and events with relevant parties in the Nottingham area, though extended periods of research will also be undertaken in London and elsewhere.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Jeremy E. Taylor, email: jeremy.taylor@nottingham.ac.uk; please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

• Job Description/Role Profile

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