Keston Research Associate in Religion under Communist Regimes

Cardiff University; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000

Job description

Keston Research Associate in Religion under Communist Regimes
School of History, Archaeology and Religion

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate working on religion under Communist Regimes in Twentieth-Century Central and/or Eastern Europe to join the School of History, Archaeology and Religion.

The 3-year fixed-term research post is funded by the Keston Institute, a charity which disseminates research on religion under Communist regimes. It has been created in collaboration with the Central and East European Research Centre (CEERC) at Cardiff University.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake original research, leading to outstanding publications. The candidate may also undertake limited teaching in Modern Central and/or Eastern European History (maximum: 6 hours per week).

The successful candidate will have, or be close to being awarded, a PhD degree in a relevant area.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), is fixed-term for three years (from 15 September 2025 until 14 September 2028).

Salary: £40,247 - £45,163 per annum (Grade 6). We anticipate that this post will start at the bottom of grade.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), blended working (meaning you will be able to work from home for some of your time), a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments up the pay scale, and more.

Job Purpose
To conduct research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Director of the Central and East European Research Centre (CEERC) within the history of religion under Communist regimes in Eastern and/or Central Europe. To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, and the profile of the Central and East European Research Centre (CEERC) at Cardiff University, carrying out research leading to high-quality research publications.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research, within the history of religion under Communist regimes in Eastern and/or Central Europe, leading to the publication of a related book (normally a peer-reviewed, single-author monograph with an academic press) and/or peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals.
• To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and/or conference proceedings.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
• To attend and/or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project, and implement procedures to ensure accurate and timely reporting or completion.
• To prepare, where and if appropriate, research ethics and research governance applications.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• To participate in Centre and School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.
• To undertake, if required, limited undergraduate teaching in Central and/or Eastern European History (strict maximum: 6 hours per week).

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School's profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is Cardiff University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Therefore, candidates must evidence they meet ALL the essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable.

As part of the application process, you are asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined in the person specification.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD, or nearing completion, in a related subject area.
2. An established expertise and proven research within the following research fields:
   1. Twentieth-Century Central and/or Eastern European History
   2. Religion under Communist regimes
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field(s).
4. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and/or to present research at national/international conferences and/or seminars.
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Desirable Criteria

1. Interest and/or experience in undergraduate teaching in Modern European History.
2. Interest and/or experience in communicating research activities to the wider world.