Job Description
Position Overview
The Department of History at the University of Sussex is seeking to appoint a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Professor in European History for a fixed-term academic position. The role focuses on the study of European history from 1500 onwards, excluding the history of the British Isles.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career scholar to contribute to teaching and academic life within a vibrant and collaborative department. The successful candidate will deliver lectures and seminars, supervise undergraduate dissertations, and participate in student assessment and feedback activities.
The role will involve contributing to core undergraduate modules related to early modern and modern global history, as well as potentially supporting the department’s postgraduate MA History programme.
- Teaching and Academic Responsibilities
- The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Teach undergraduate modules within the History curriculum.
- Deliver lectures and seminars in areas related to early modern or modern European history.
Contribute to modules such as:
- The Early Modern World
- The Making of the Modern World
- Ideas of History
- History of Emotions
- Supervise undergraduate dissertations and provide academic guidance to students.
- Participate in marking, feedback, and assessment processes.
- Engage with departmental activities and collaborate with colleagues on teaching initiatives.
- There may also be opportunities to contribute to postgraduate teaching within the MA History programme.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should be passionate about teaching and historical scholarship, with expertise in European history from the early modern or modern period.
Essential requirements:
- A PhD in European History (since 1500) or a closely related field, excluding the history of the British Isles.
- Demonstrated experience of teaching in UK higher education.
- Evidence of strong communication and teaching skills.
- An emerging record of academic publications or research outputs.
- Commitment to supporting students and promoting an inclusive learning environment.
Desirable expertise may include:
- Global or transnational perspectives on European history.
- Research on histories of emotions.
- Experience supervising undergraduate research dissertations.
- The role requires someone who enjoys working collaboratively and contributing positively to a supportive academic team.
About the Department
The History Department at Sussex is known for its innovative teaching and interdisciplinary research culture. The department places strong emphasis on global perspectives, comparative history, and engagement with contemporary debates.
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), the department was ranked 4th in the UK for research impact, reflecting the significance and influence of its research across academic and public communities.
Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities
This position sits within the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities, a diverse academic community committed to creativity, critical thinking, and international collaboration. The Faculty supports innovative teaching methods and research that addresses global cultural and historical challenges.
Working at the University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is located near the South Downs National Park, offering a unique academic environment combining natural beauty with modern facilities.
Benefits of working at Sussex include:
- Excellent public transport links, including Falmer railway station close to campus
- A supportive academic community and professional development opportunities
- Dedicated cycling routes and participation in the Cycle to Work Scheme
- Comprehensive staff benefits and wellbeing programmes
Sussex is an internationally recognised research university whose achievements are driven by the dedication and diversity of its staff and students.
Equality and Inclusion
The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in its recruitment and employment practices. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, and the university strives to create an inclusive and supportive working environment.
Application and Enquiries
If you are also interested in the Assistant Professor in Modern European History (Ref: 43178) position, please contact the recruitment team for guidance.
Visa Sponsorship and Eligibility
This position has been assigned an appropriate Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code and may qualify for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship if the role is full-time and the candidate meets the salary and immigration requirements.
Applicants should review official UK government guidance regarding work visas and immigration eligibility
Please note that all work undertaken for the University must be carried out within the United Kingdom.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 27 March 2026 – 4:59 PM
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Contract Period: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027