The University of Dundee welcomes applications for two Postdoctoral Research Assistants on the AHRC-funded project ENERGY: A Philosophy of Practice. These posts will be split across the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design & School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law, University of Dundee (both candidates will be required to work across the two Schools). 

Part-Time & Fixed-Term: 0.45FTE over 3 ½ years starting 1/2/2024  

Grade: 7 SP 30 (£37,099) 

Regarded as one of the top Art and Design Schools in the UK, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) continues to be at the forefront of creativity and innovation. With global credibility for first-class teaching and research, it offers a strong academic and creative culture that supports and encourages personal development. The School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law (SHSSL) is a dynamic school that brings together a range of disciplines. Its mission is to build an inspirational environment for research and social impact. SHSSL is known for addressing the major challenges faced by society in local, national and global contexts. 

DJCAD and SHSSL are seeking to appoint two exceptional researchers to assist and develop the interdisciplinary research project, ENERGY: A Philosophy of Practice, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, UK. Reporting to the Principal Investigator Prof. Natasha Lushetich the two positions will support the successful delivery of the project by providing specialised knowledge in Native American (or Aboriginal Australian) philosophies of energy, and Asian philosophies or energy respectively. We welcome applications from highly motivated and capable professionals who are driven and confident. They should ideally have doctoral qualifications in Philosophy, Art Theory or Energy Humanities. 

Applicants must have a PhD closely related to the project’s theme, or they must have submitted or defended their PhD dissertation by 1 October 2023. In addition to demonstrating an understanding of interdisciplinary research, critical theorisation, cross-cultural research and possessing excellent communication and project management skills, applicants should also demonstrate how their work intersects with the expanded field of Philosophies of Energy. The successful applicants will be required to work largely independently: organise large conferences; co-ordinate workshops and public engagement activities; and complete a short monograph in their area of expertise. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career interdisciplinary scholar. 

Role Purpose: 

  • Co-organise two international conferences with Professor Lushetich (e.g. ensure the conference is advertised on relevant websites, participate in panel organisation, liaise with the delegates, assist with the keynotes’ travel and accommodation) 
  • Coordinate workshops and external public engagement activities (liaise with the relevant Estates and AV staff at the UoD, cultural and academic institutions worldwide, and workshop leaders/invited speakers) 
  • Contribute to knowledge exchange and knowledge transfer (promoting the workshop/public talks series among academic and non-academic audiences) 
  • Conduct individual research and complete a short (c 40.000 w) monograph; contribute to other publications  
  • Participate in and develop external networks (maintain links with selected external partners and promote project activities – conferences, workshops, public engagement activities)  

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:  

  • PhD in Philosophy, Art Theory, or Energy Humanities 
  • Evidence of published research 
  • Experience of managing or assisting with management of research projects 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Able to build relationship for future activities 
  • Able to balance administrative demands and research 

Skills and Abilities: 

  • Ability to process complex information quickly and accurately and make reasoned decisions 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including evidence of team working  
  • Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision 
  • Function well under pressure and meet deadlines 
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail 

For further content-related information about these positions please contact Prof. Natasha Lushetich at [email protected]; for all application procedure-related information please contact Research Admin Lead, Mrs Fiona Fyffe-Lawson [email protected].

To find out more about DJCAD and SHSSL please visit: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/djcad/research