The Post
Applications are invited for a UKRI-funded position of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Stirling. The role holder will examine the history of the global connections of HIV and AIDS activists in India, particularly with HIV and AIDS activists in Europe (including the UK), and across South Asia. The advertised position is offered as part of the project “AIDS Campaigning between the Global South and Western Europe since the 1980s”. This project is funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF; Grant Reference: MR/Y015878/1), commenced in September 2024 and will be led by Dr Nikolaos Papadogiannis (University of Stirling). The successful applicant will be based in the Division of History, Heritage and Politics at the University of Stirling. They will need to be based at Stirling for at least nine months per year and spend the remainder of the year doing archival research or conducting interviews in India, and any other location required for the programme, as well as participating in conferences in and outside of the UK.
The Project
The project is anticipated to involve a group of five researchers led by Nikolaos Papadogiannis. Each researcher will focus on a different part of the globe. Overall, the project will help recalibrate the study of social reactions to HIV and AIDS and, more broadly, modern epidemics and show the importance of ideas from the Global South for relevant campaigns in Western Europe. The project also aims to co-shape the agenda of HIV organisations, making health campaigns in the UK more inclusive in terms of involving on an equitable basis activists from black and queer communities in the UK and the Global South. The project aims to produce various outputs, from co-authored journal articles to a research-based comic. For more detailed information on the project, please see the Further Particulars document.
Candidates are welcome to contact the Project Lead, Dr Nikolaos Papadogiannis (nikolaos.papadogiannis@stir.ac.uk) for more information.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams. The interview questions will be provided in advance.
Description of Duties
Plan and manage their own research activity, as discussed with and approved by the Project Lead, and meet objectives and deadlines in collaboration with the project’s Project Lead
Liaise with and report to the Project Lead regularly, at least once per month, about the project
Liaise with the project’s International Advisory Board and other partners, especially in India
Attend regular project and editorial meetings as required
Travel to relevant sites in the UK, India and elsewhere in South Asia or Europe or other parts of the world, if and as necessitated by the project, to conduct fieldwork and attend workshops and conferences
Undertake archival research on and conduct, record and transcribe interviews of HIV and AIDS activists in India since the 1980s, in line with the ethics regulations of the University of Stirling and any relevant data sharing agreements (if applicable); and analyse those sources
Present single-authored or co-authored papers at international conferences
Co-organise and participate in public workshops that will involve community partners in India and the UK, and other activities involving community partners that may arise as the project progresses
In total, single-author at least one journal article or book chapter, and co-author at least one more journal article or book chapter with the Project Lead and/or other postdoctoral researchers of the project, or external partners of the project The article(s) will be ideally submitted to leading international journals
Co-author with the Project Lead a comic book presenting some of the project’s findings
Prepare a dedicated section of a database with oral testimonies on global histories of HIV and AIDS activism in India, containing approximately 10 testimonies across major Indian regions and from individuals varying in terms of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, social class and caste
Co-edit a collection of primary sources
Co-organise the international conference on “Collective Action on Decolonising Health Activism” that will take place at Stirling
Carry out more general project management with the Project Lead, including co-ordinating the project datasets, contributing to the social media profile of the project, reporting, monitoring, organising and timetabling of events and activities, and publicising the project’s activities in outlets like The Polyphony
Engage in research-related activities of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Stirling in general, like the events of the Queer Studies Reading Group and meetings with other Early Career Researchers at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Engage with continuing professional development and the training sessions that the Project Lead regards as necessary for the Postdoctoral Assistant to attend
Additional Information
Applicants should submit:
A cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining their qualifications and experience for the advertised position, and initial thoughts on how their interests dovetail with the project. The applicants should address in their cover letter all the essential criteria and as many as possible of the desirable criteria. However, they do not need to elaborate on how they are qualified to fulfil each of the duties mentioned above
A curriculum vitae
An example of recent academic writing (e.g., PhD chapter, journal article or book chapter) in English. This text can also be an unpublished one. In the latter case, the selection committee will treat this unpublished text in a strictly confidential manner and will not share it with anyone else
The names and contact details of two academic referees
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
The candidates must, by the time of appointment, have completed a PhD (or equivalent) in one of the following disciplines: 20th-century history, anthropology, sociology, political science, media studies, or cultural studies, or another discipline in the humanities or social sciences, including interdisciplinary studies
Research
Experience with oral history or ethnography or equivalent qualitative research methods
Experience in preparing research findings for publication or presentation at conferences
Understanding and awareness of research governance and ethical issues in research, and of obtaining ethical approval
Excellent command of spoken and written English
Excellent knowledge of another language used in South Asia
Skills, attitude and behaviour
Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
Excellent time management skills, including the ability to prioritise workload
Proven ability to interact effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues
Evidence of enthusiasm in engaging in activities addressing and/or involving non-academic publics
Desirable Criteria
Completed PhD thesis studying one of the following topics: social and/or political reactions to HIV and AIDS; or gender and sexuality in India since 1945; or activism in India since 1945; or relevant topics in history, anthropology, sociology, political science, media studies, or cultural studies
Experience of working in research teams
A record of research publications in the study of sexuality, activism and/or social and political responses to HIV and AIDS in India
Evidence of enthusiasm for networking with HIV and AIDS activists and shaping relationships with them based on trust and care; and/or experience or interest in working with queer (broadly understood) communities
Able to demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. This might include - but is not limited to - evidence of work to advance gender equality, positive mental health, disability equality, anti-racism or tackling gender-based violence
Additional Information
Full time
Fixed term for 27 months, the expected start date in September/October 2025 or by mutual agreement.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 16 March 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place in late April.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.
The University has implemented the pay uplift for 2024/25 as confirmed by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). This is being implemented in two stages - the first stage was effective from the 1 August 2024 and is reflected in the advertised salary, the second stage is effective from 1 March 2025 therefore salaries will increase in accordance with agreed rates.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
About Us
The University of Stirling’s largest faculty has earned a reputation for delivering some of the most highly-rated Arts and Humanities courses in the country. With a focus on innovation, exploration, and creativity, you will be part of a vibrant environment defined by world-class teaching and research. Staff thrive in a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds.
Research within History, Heritage and Politics resonates far beyond the University. It has an interdisciplinary focus that cuts across both areas and engages with the work of others, especially in the fields of global security and the history and policy of civil society. Our work makes an impact on society and government policy. It focuses on challenges that matter – from environmental sustainability to international conflict resolution, diplomacy, and foreign policy. It also provides analysis and knowledge of the foundation on which our civil society rests, locally, nationally, and globally.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.
The University has 18,500+ students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented on our scenic central Scotland campus. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and top five in the world (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.
Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.