Summer Research Assistant: 100 years of science portraits
Salary: £15.60/hour
Duration: part-time (approximately 20 hours/week) or full-time, for 2 months (but flexible)
Start date: June (but flexible)
Location: Sir William Dunn School of Pathology
Description of the project
The Dunn School is a leading biomedical department of the Medical Sciences Division, based in South Parks Road. Our research focus is understanding the fundamental cell and molecular biology underlying a broad range of disease mechanisms. Our department has a rich history, and during our almost 100 years we have led on many important discoveries, from the development of penicillin (Nobel Prize in 1945) to the expression of factor IX as a treatment for haemophilia.
Since the early 30s we have displayed portrait photographs of our scientists on our walls. In the early decades, all researchers were photographed, but later only DPhil students were captured, a tradition that continues to this day. This is an extraordinary record of the people who have contributed to our life-changing research, but also captures how representations of diversity in science have changed over time. Yet, this rich catalogue had never been systematically recorded, nor the stories behind the photographs investigated. Since we started the project in the Summer of 2022 that over 500 photos have now been digitised and catalogued.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Dunn School’s Head of Scientific Strategy and Projects to scan, record and catalogue these photographs, following an existing protocol. There may also be the opportunity to choose a few of the individuals to investigate further.
This short-term position is particularly suited for a history or history of science student keen to get some practical experience during the summer months, but we also welcome applications from students in other areas.
How to apply
Interested applicants should send their CV and a cover letter (no more than 1 page) explaining why they are interested in this project. We are particular keen that they may demonstrate:
- Enthusiasm for the project.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Good time management skills and attention to detail.
- An understanding of good practice in the collection of materials for historical or sociological records.
Applicants must be University of Oxford graduate students and have the right to work in the UK. Applications and informal queries should be directed to catarina.vicente@path.ox.ac.uk. The deadline for applications is the 13th of May, and interviews will be conducted shortly after.