Assistant Professor in European History(UK Sponsorship)

Job Description

Overview of the Opportunity

The Department of History at the University of Sussex is inviting applications for a fixed-term Assistant Professor role specialising in European History from 1500 onwards (excluding the history of the British Isles).

This position provides an opportunity to join a dynamic academic department that values interdisciplinary approaches and encourages global perspectives in historical research and teaching. The successful candidate will play an important role in delivering high-quality teaching and contributing to the department’s supportive academic community.

Key Responsibilities

The appointed Assistant Professor will contribute to teaching and academic support across the undergraduate History programme and may also participate in postgraduate teaching activities.

Typical responsibilities include:

Delivering lectures and leading seminars in early modern and/or modern European history.

Contributing to core undergraduate modules such as:

• The Early Modern World
• The Making of the Modern World
• Ideas of History
• History of Emotions
• Supervising undergraduate dissertations and guiding student research.
• Participating in marking, feedback, and assessment processes.
• Supporting student learning and academic development.
• Engaging with departmental meetings and collaborative academic activities.
• There may also be opportunities to contribute to teaching within the MA History programme.

Candidate Profile

The department is seeking a scholar with a strong academic background and a passion for teaching.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• A PhD in European History (post-1500) or a closely related field, excluding British history.
• Teaching experience within the UK higher education sector.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• An emerging track record of academic publications or research output.
• Ability to support students academically and contribute to a positive learning environment.

Desirable expertise:

• Research on global or transnational histories of Europe.
• Scholarship on the history of emotions.
• Experience supervising undergraduate dissertations.
• The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a collaborative and supportive academic team.

About the Department

The History Department at Sussex is recognised for its innovative teaching and interdisciplinary research culture. The department promotes global and comparative approaches to historical inquiry and encourages collaboration across disciplines.

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), Sussex’s History research achieved significant recognition and was ranked 4th in the UK for research impact, reflecting the wider societal value of its scholarship.

Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities

This role is part of the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities, which brings together scholars working across diverse fields including history, literature, philosophy, cultural studies, and the arts. The faculty fosters creative thinking, global engagement, and impactful research.

Working at the University of Sussex

The University of Sussex offers a vibrant academic environment located on a scenic 150-acre campus near the South Downs National Park.

Benefits of working at Sussex include:

• Convenient transport access, including Falmer railway station located a short walk from campus.
• Regular bus routes connecting the university with Brighton and surrounding areas.
• Dedicated cycling paths and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• Professional development opportunities and a supportive academic community.
• Sussex is internationally recognised for its research excellence, teaching quality, and commitment to innovation.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Sussex values diversity and strives to build an inclusive academic community. Applications are welcomed from candidates from all backgrounds, and the university actively promotes equality of opportunity across its workforce.

Applicants interested in both this role and the Assistant Professor in Modern European History (Ref: 43178) are encouraged to 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 Skilled Worker visa sponsorship if the role is full-time and the candidate meets the salary and immigration requirements. Candidates may need to meet the tradeable points options outlined in UK immigration rules.

Please note that all work 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