FCJ Postdoctoral Associate in Catholic History, UK HigherJobz

About Position/Job

This FCJ Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Durham University offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich and often overlooked history of the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) in the UK from 1830 to the present day. Housed in the renowned Department of Theology and Religion, this role will allow you to contribute to a major research project that aligns with the department’s commitment to outstanding scholarship, community engagement, and global impact. Working closely with the Centre for Catholic Studies, the role invites you to investigate how this congregation shaped education and social activism across two centuries. You will join a vibrant, collaborative environment that encourages interdisciplinary approaches and values both individual expertise and team contributions.

Position/Job Details

Position: FCJ Postdoctoral Research Associate in the History of Catholicism
Institution: Durham University
Department: Theology and Religion
Research field: History of Catholicism
Location: Durham, United Kingdom
Number of post: 1
Job Type: Full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral position
Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: £38,249 to £40,497 per annum
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research area

History of Catholicism in the UK
Women religious and female congregations
Catholic education history
Social activism and Catholic social thought
Archival research and oral history

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

A PhD (or close to submission) in a relevant subject
Proven experience in high-quality academic research
Ability to conduct extensive archival research

Preferred Qualifications:

Publications in peer-reviewed journals
Experience presenting at academic conferences
Experience supervising or mentoring students
Ability to develop research proposals collaboratively

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent and collaborative research on the FCJ’s history in the UK
Produce a book-length study contextualising their two centuries of work
Access and analyse archival materials, including private and diocesan collections
Present findings at national and international conferences
Publish high-quality articles and chapters
Engage with the Centre for Catholic Studies and support its activities
Contribute to a collegial, inclusive academic environment

Application Process

How to Apply

Submit your application online via Durham University’s recruitment system.

Required Documents:

CV and detailed cover letter
1,000–1,500 word research proposal outlining your methodological and historiographical approach
Any supporting evidence of qualifications