Postdoctoral Researcher - UNSEEN Project
University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institution
- University of Oxford
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Position type
- Postdoc
- Subject area
- Humanities & Arts
- Salary
- GBP 39424.00–41636.00 YEAR
- Location
- Oxford, England, United Kingdom
- Funding
- Fully funded position
This position is outside the fields we mentor
We mentor STEM applicants only. If your research aspirations are outside STEM subjects, you're very welcome to use this board and apply directly; we just aren't the right people to mentor you.
The full advert is above and the university's own application link is below — both free to use, with or without us.
About this position
Location: Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and Khalili Research Centre
Fixed-term 2 years + 1 year (24 months with the possibility of extending it for one additional year subject to project progress)
About the Role
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, you will join the interdisciplinary UNSEEN project, conducting original research into slavery, ransoming mechanisms, and the circulation of Islamic material culture and knowledge between the Ottoman world and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Your research will draw on Ottoman and Arabic archival documents, pious endowments relating to the ransoming of enslaved Muslims, and literary sources such as captivity accounts.
You will undertake archival research in Türkiye, produce academic publications, present your research internationally, co-organise workshops and conference panels, and contribute collaboratively to the wider UNSEEN project.
About You
You hold, or are close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in early modern history, Ottoman history, or Islamic art history, with research interests relevant to slavery and/or the circulation of material culture and knowledge across geographical boundaries. You have excellent knowledge of Turkish and Ottoman Turkish and experience working with relevant archival sources. You are able to conduct innovative, independent research while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Application Process
You will be required to upload a CV, a supporting statement, a sample of written work, and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should explain how you meet the selection criteria for the post, using examples of your skills and experience.
The closing date for applications is 12.00pm on Sunday, 6 December 2026.
Apply directly to University of Oxford
Emerging Scholars Council is not the employer and does not recruit for this position. It is advertised by University of Oxford, and your application goes to them. We help students prepare and strengthen their applications.
Go to the official application page →