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The Indian Ocean World Centre (IOWC), Department of History & Classical Studies, invites applications for two Postdoctoral positions to research the history of the Indian Ocean World (IOW), a macro region running from East Asia to Eastern Africa, in the period c.1800 to the present. The posts are to examine the impact of, respectively, (i) sulphur-rich volcanic eruptions and (ii) cyclones. This research opportunity explores the socio-economic and political impacts of such volcanism/cyclonic activity.

We are particularly interested in candidates whose work engages with the experiences of peoples and communities indigenous to the IOW, from gender, age, ethnic and wealth disparity perspectives.

Research topics may include, but are not limited to:

• agricultural production
• trade
• health, disease and medicine
• demography
• migration
• religious beliefs
• revolt and political change

This position is unionized, and the incumbent will hold dual status as both a student and a McGill employee, and as a member of the AMURE (Postdocs) bargaining unit.

For interested applicants, you must include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of current research, future plans for research, and interest in the position; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) one sample of scholarly writing (a published article, unpublished paper or chapter); and 4) the names of three referees to provide letters upon request.  Applicants who do not have a completed PhD at the time of application must include a letter from the Department Chair specifying the date of the dissertation defence. Please upload them all to Workday when you apply.

Refer to the following link for further information on eligibility criteria for postdoctoral appointments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will:

• Develop and lead an innovative, independent research program focused on the impacts in the IOW of either sulphur-rich volcanic eruptions or cyclones
• Design and conduct qualitative, ethnographic, historical, or interdisciplinary research projects examining the intersections of such volcanic and cyclonic events with socio-economic and political structures and transformations.
• Collaborate with faculty supervisors and other researchers within the IOWC and the Department of History & Classical Studies on ongoing research initiatives and grant-funded projects.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret research data using appropriate methodological and theoretical approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to other scholarly outputs, including book chapters, reports, and policy-oriented publications.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, and public-facing events.
• Contribute to the intellectual and research environment of the IOWC and Department through active participation in seminars, reading groups, workshops, and collaborative activities.
• Assist in the editorial management of the Journal of Indian Ocean World Studies.
• Support knowledge mobilization activities and contribute to the dissemination of research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences.
• Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research projects, as opportunities arise.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The candidate must have recently been awarded (within 5 years) a PhD or equivalent in History, Anthropology, Sociology, Science and Technology Studies (STS), Health Humanities, or a closely related discipline. The PhD must be completed before the appointment start date of 14 March 2027. Please note that candidate eligibility to hold a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship expires 5 years after the date on which their PhD was awarded, regardless of when they are hired. 
• Demonstrated research expertise in the environmental, economic, religious, or political history of the Indian Ocean World or a region thereof.
• Strong record of scholarly achievement relative to career stage, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other research outputs.
• Experience conducting independent research using qualitative, ethnographic, interpretive, historical, philosophical, or mixed-methods approaches.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.

Hiring Unit: 

Indian Ocean World Centre (IOWC), Department of History & Classical Studies

Number of Positions:  2 

Supervisor: Professor Gwyn Campbell

Total Hours Per Week: 35

Salary: $55,000/year 

Planned Start and End Date: 22 March 2027 to 21 March 2028

Location: Peterson Hall, 3460 McTavish Street

Deadline to Apply:

2026-11-27

 
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.