JOB: Postdoctoral Researcher, Freedom of the Seas and Human Rights Protection Project (SOAS, London) (DEADLINE: 26 October 2023)

(Source: SOAS)

SOAS is currently advertising a legal history postdoctoral position (on the development of the concept of freedom of the seas in early international law (XV-XVII centuries) and its linkages with individual freedom and slavery.)

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Department:

The School of Law, Gender and Media at SOAS is the only one of its kind in the UK that is dedicated to legal systems and legal challenges of the developing world, with complementary strengths in human rights, international law and institutions, law of the sea, environmental law and international trade and commerce.

We have unrivalled expertise and produce world-leading research in comparative law (China, Africa, South/South-East Asia, the Middle East), complemented by specialists in international and transnational law, human rights, law of the sea, transnational commercial law, environmental law, and socio-legal method.

About the Role

The Research Fellow will conduct critical research on the development of the concept of freedom of the seas in early international law (XV-XVII centuries) and its linkages with individual freedom and slavery. The Research Fellow will work under the overall supervision of Professor Irini Papanicolopulu and will contribute to the successful implementation of the project “Freedom of the Seas and Human Rights Protection”, funded by the British Academy. The Research Fellow will identify, categorise, and analyse legal sources, including both primary and secondary sources, relating to the law of the sea, rights of individuals, and regulation of the slave trade, from the XV to the first half of the XIX century. Based on these findings, the Research Fellow will develop an online historical repository of legal tools that link the freedom of the seas with slavery and/or movement of peoples and protection of their rights. The Research Fellow is expected to author at least one publication relating to the topic of the research project.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

How to Apply: 

Closing date: 26 October 2023            

Interviews to be held: week starting 27 November 2023

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

All info here