General presentation

Within the framework of this ERC project, a team of four researchers (PI, and 3 post-docs) will work together on a comparative study of the contractual conditions and economic treatment of sailors active in the Mediterranean in the long seventeenth century (1570-1700). Further details on the project are available at http://centres.exeter.ac.uk/cmhs/research/sailing%20into%20modernity%20index.html. The successful candidate will work on collating and analysing

French documentary evidence, mainly in archives of Courts of Justice, namely the Court de Sénéchaussée (Archives départementales des Bouches-du-Rhône) (Marseille); Fonds de la Marine, (Archives Nationales, (Paris)). For this purpose a research mission of 6 months to France with all the relative research expenses shall be funded as part of the appointment.

• College /Service: College of Humanities -http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/ 
• Post:   Associate Research Fellow
• Reference No:  R11090/P43175
• Reporting To:  Dr Maria Fusaro, Senior Lecturer in History

The above full-time post is available from 1st  October 2012 to 30th September 2014 in the College of Humanities.

Job Description

The Department of History at the University of Exeter seeks to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow for two years (24 months), to work with Dr. Maria Fusaro and her team on her new project ‘Sailing into Modernity: Comparative Perspectives on the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century European Economic Transition, funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

Main purpose of the job:

• Within the framework of this ERC project, a team of four researchers (PI, and 3 post-docs) will work together on a comparative study of the contractual conditions and economic treatment of sailors active in the Mediterranean in the long seventeenth century (1570-1700). Further details on the project are available at http://centres.exeter.ac.uk/cmhs/research/sailing%20into%20modernity%20index.html. The successful
• Candidate will work on collating and analysing French documentary evidence, mainly in archives of Courts of Justice, namely the Court de Sénéchaussée (Archives départementales des Bouches-du-Rhône) (Marseille); Fonds de la Marine, (Archives Nationales, (Paris)). For this purpose a research mission of 6 months to France with all the relative research expenses shall be funded as part of the appointment.

Main duties and accountabilities:

1. To undertake research as appropriate to the field of study including:

• Writing up research work for publication;
• Developing research objectives and proposals for own or joint research;
• Making presentations at national and international conferences and similar events;
• Dealing with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines;
• Analysing and interpreting the results of own research and generating original ideas based on outcomes;
• Using new research techniques and methods;
• Using initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, developing new research methods and extending  the research portfolio;
• Using creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.

• 2. To work in collaboration with colleagues as appropriate to the field of study including:

• Contributing  to collaborative decision making within the research group;
• Contributing to the production of collaborative research reports and publications.
• Preparing papers and presenting information on research progress and outcomes to bodies  supervising research, e.g. steering groups.

3. To communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.

4. To prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes

5. To contribute to the planning of research projects.

6. To monitor research budgets as appropriate.

7. To engage in continuous professional development and to be responsible for continually updating knowledge and understanding in field of study or specialism and for developing skills.

Person Specification

Attainments/Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a related field of study.

Skills and Understanding

• Sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of Prior Experience research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• Excellent knowledge of French is essential, as it is experience of working with archival sources and good palaeographical skills Behavioural Characteristics
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature. 
• Able to manage research and administrative activities and to balance the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines.
• Able to liaise with colleagues and  students.
• Able to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks for the exchange of information and collaboration. 
• Able to identify potential sources of funding.
• Actively participate as a member of a research team
• Engage in continuous professional development.
• Understand equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content
• Evidence of research activity and published research.
• Familiarity with software packages like Microsoft Access and/or Excel is also desirable. 

Informal Enquiries

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr Maria Fusaro, telephone (0794-1162675) or email m.fusaro@exeter.ac.uk.

Salary

The starting salary will be on Grade E, £25,251 per annum, subject to knowledge, skills and experience.

An increment will be payable on 1 August each year until the top of the scale is reached (subject to being in post for 6 months and satisfactory performance). The scale will be subject to a cost of living review each year.

Application Procedure and Interview Information

The closing date for completed applications is 23rd  April 2012.

Applicants are invited to apply on-line via our e-recruitment system. This can be found at www.exeter.ac.uk/jobs 

Please quote reference number R11090/P43175 in any correspondence.

We expect to hold interviews in Exeter on 25 th  May 2012.