Applications are invited for the post of Senior Research Associate to undertake research under the supervision of Professor Jacqueline Fear-Segal in order to contribute to the research project, Beyond the Spectacle: Native North American Presence in Britain, which is funded through an AHRC Research Grant.

This project will explore, assess, and realign British understanding of Native North American Indigenous peoples in the twenty-first century, by examining complex processes of exchange and interchange through a cultural and historical lens. Positioning itself at the intersection of current research on Imperialism and Indigenous Studies, it aims to counter-balance colonial perspectives and turn attention instead to the reciprocal nature of these encounters, and their bequests to descendant communities in both Britain and North America. Attention will be paid to encounters and interactions within the many towns and cities of Britain, as well as London. The underlying goal of the research will be to deepen understanding of historical, cultural and political trans-Atlantic exchanges and their legacies, and from this to contribute to discussions of Indigenous agency, on-going contests relating to sovereignty and resources, and to engage with current discourses centring on national identity, immigration, diversity and belonging.

The successful applicant will work full-time on the project as part of a team of four. S/he will: locate primary sources; plan research trips; carry out research in libraries and archives; take research initiatives; produce prompt and detailed reports of findings; liaise with project managers and the other post-doctoral researcher; attend meetings; help organise project events; conduct oral history interviews; produce papers for conference presentations and publication.

The successful applicant will be based at the University of East Anglia in the School of Art, Media, and American Studies. Archival visits within the UK and possibly the USA will be required. Meetings will be held in Norwich, London, and Canterbury.

You will have a PhD in Indigenous Studies, History, American Studies, or similar, or equivalent professional experience in this research area, along with significant previous experience of independent archival research and academic writing. You should also have excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience of presenting and writing-up research results for publication in peer-viewed journals and/or conferences; be aware of the ethical issues involved in Indigenous Studies research; be able to meet all the essential criteria set out in the Person Specification.

This full-time post is available for a fixed term period of three years from 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2020.

Closing date: 12 midnight on 5 July 2017

The University is a Bronze Athena Swan Award holder, currently working towards Silver.