Research Fellow

Description:

The Department of History at Warwick University is seeking a Research Fellow for a fixed-term period of 24 months from 1 September 2025. The position is part of a Wellcome Trust-funded Career Development Award project, ‘Traumatised Minds, Neurosis and Hysteria in Soviet Medicine and Culture, 1917-1953,’ led by Dr. Anna Toropova.

This research project challenges the assumption that Soviet authorities strictly adhered to a Pavlovian model that ignored mental trauma. Instead, it explores a diverse tradition of research on psychological trauma, neurosis, and hysteria across the Soviet republics, including Ukraine, the Baltic states, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. The project also investigates how trauma was understood not only in medical research but also in art, literature, and cinema.

As a Research Fellow, you will closely collaborate with Dr. Toropova to conduct high-quality research on medical and cultural approaches to trauma in the Soviet Union between 1917 and 1953.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent research aligning with the aims of the ‘Traumatised Minds’ project.
• Analyze historical medical and cultural approaches to trauma in the Soviet republics.
• Publish sole-authored journal articles and co-author research with the lead investigator.
• Assist in the organization of academic workshops and contribute to an edited volume.
• Engage in public outreach activities to share research findings.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

✔ PhD in a relevant field (must be awarded by 1 September 2025).
✔ Expertise in history, languages, and cultures of one or more non-Russian Soviet republics.
✔ Strong research skills with experience in archival work and historical analysis.
✔ Ability to publish in peer-reviewed academic journals.
✔ Experience with interdisciplinary research, particularly in history, medicine, and cultural studies.
✔ Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
✔ Willingness to contribute to public engagement and knowledge exchange activities.

Why Join?

📚 Work in a Leading Institution – Warwick is among the top 10 universities in the UK.
🌍 Diverse Research Community – Collaborate with internationally recognized scholars in history and medical humanities.
📖 Academic Growth – Opportunity to publish and work on major research projects.
💼 Career Development – Gain valuable experience in historical research, teaching, and public engagement.
🏛️ Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Engage with Warwick’s five research centers specializing in global history, medicine, and European studies.

Interview Process:

🗓️ Interview Date: May 2025 (conducted via Microsoft Teams, if necessary).
📍 Start Date: September 2025.

Additional Benefits:

✅ 30 days holiday + Christmas closure.
✅ Attractive pension scheme.
✅ Flexible working options.
✅ Maternity/Paternity/Adoption leave.
✅ Onsite childcare facilities.
✅ Support for relocating to the UK (Relocation Guide available).

Commitment to Inclusion:

Warwick University is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming academic environment. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly from underrepresented groups in UK higher education.