The role
We seek a dynamic and self-motivated individual with expertise in the ‘Global Renaissance’ (defined temporally as c. 1400 to c. 1650) to facilitate research and engagement work in relation to a major exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum, which addresses the theme of sensory experiences and exchanges across the early modern world (co-curated by Geraldine A. Johnson and Leah R. Clark). The working title of the exhibition is ‘Sensory Wonders of the Renaissance World’ and the opening is planned for June 2027. The post is based at the University of Oxford’s History of Art, Faculty of History, based in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6AH.
The role
The primary focus of the post-holder’s duties will involve engagement work facilitating and assessing focus groups and ‘touch tours’ with the blind and partially-sighted based on themes from the exhibition in order to demonstrate the wider ‘impact’ of the project. The post-holder will also be able to undertake research based on their academic expertise on specific themes and objects in the exhibition and accompanying catalogue. This is an excellent opportunity for an advanced doctoral student, post-doctoral researcher, or early career academic to gain experience in research impact and public engagement, and to consider new methodologies and curatorial practices related to sensory research in both academic and museum contexts.
About you
You will hold a PhD/DPhil or be an advanced doctoral candidate (e.g. at the University of Oxford, have at least passed the Transfer of Status and be in the final stages of completing the dissertation) in a relevant academic discipline, with expertise in the ‘Global Renaissance’ (c. 1400-c. 1650) and research interests in early modern sensory cultures. You will have expertise that includes at least one of the following area outside of Europe (such as the Indian subcontinent, the Americas, Middle East, Africa or China), with relevant linguistic skills, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the study of early modern history and culture to work within established research programmes. You will have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities including public engagement activities, with the reading ability in relevant European and/or non-European languages (depending on specialism). Expertise in one or more of these areas of early modern sensory cultures: music, mining and extraction, textiles and dyes, Arabic science/optics/maths, perfume, would be desirable.
Application process
Queries about the post should be addressed to Leah Clark, Associate Professor in History of Art (leah.clark@conted.ox.ac.uk) . All practical and procedural queries should be sent to our recruitments team: recruitments@history.ox.ac.uk. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision.
As part of the online application process, you should provide a supporting statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees.
Only applications submitted online and received before noon Tuesday 9th December 2025 will be considered.
Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. You may also receive updates on the status of your application via the same means.
Committed to equality and valuing diversity
