Job: PhD position "Emanuel Mendes da Costa (1717-1791): multicultural and multinational networks in Georgian London" (University of Lincoln)

1 maart 2016

The University of Lincoln, in partnership with the Royal Society and the Science Museum, is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified UK/EU candidate for a full-time Collaborative Doctoral Award. The award is funded by the UK AHRC to conduct research on the lives and letters of Emanuel Mendes da Costa (1717-91).

Da Costa was a Royal Society secretary, conchologist, antiquarian, and member of the Sephardic London Community. He was a leading collector in the crux of a transition in natural history, moving from baroque cabinets of curiosities to Linnaean Enlightenment taxonomy. By studying his scientific works and largely unknown correspondence network in the Royal Society, British Library, the Lincoln Cathedral, and other repositories, the student will analyse both his fixed beliefs and impact of innovation in natural history.  In its analysis of Da Costa’s life and letters, the PhD’s research also will elucidate the status of Jews in Georgian England, and the social norms and multicultural and multinational bounds of scientific reputations within and without The Royal Society.

The 3.5 year studentship, beginning 1 October 2016, will be based in the first year at the Royal Society, and in the second and third years at the University of Lincoln.   It offers a unique opportunity for the award-holder to undertake original research leading to a PhD. The student will also be part of the Royal Society Library and Science Museum’s lively research environment where they will receive public engagement, archival and curatorial training.

Subject to AHRC eligibility criteria, the scholarships cover tuition fees and a grant (stipend) towards living expenses. The value of the stipend for 2016/17 is yet to be confirmed. However,  it is likely to be £14,296 plus £550 additional stipend payment for Collaborative Doctoral Students.  Additionally, the student will receive support from The Royal Society of up to £3000 during the duration of the studentship for approved travel and expenses.

Start date 1st October 2016 Duration: 42 months

Eligibility criteria:

• Be a resident of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA).
• A First Class or high Upper Second BA Hons degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as History, History of Science, Cultural Studies, Art History, or Judaic Studies.
• A completed masters-level qualification, or be expecting to complete this before you start your PhD study
• Research experience in at least one of the following areas: cultural history (in particular, the history of visual or material culture), the history of early modern science, Judaic Studies, early modern British history.
• Preference may be given to applicants with expertise in written Spanish and/or Portuguese, early modern paleography, or the history of biological sciences.

To apply: Candidates should submit an expression of interest letter to Lynn Johnson at collegeofartspgr@lincoln.ac.uk, attaching a supporting statement (a maximum of 3 A4 pages), outlining their academic qualifications, relevant research experience and expertise (including language skills), and motivation to pursue this Collaborative Doctoral Award. Candidates must also arrange for two academic references to be submitted to Lynn Johnson at the University of Lincoln by 4th April 2016.  References may be submitted by email to collegeofartspgr@lincoln.ac.uk.

Informal enquiries regarding the award can be addressed to: Dr Anna Marie Roos: aroos@lincoln.ac.uk  or Mr Keith Moore:  keith.moore@royalsociety.org