AHRC-CDA, Emanuel Mendes da Costa (1717-1791): University of Lincoln, the Royal Society and the Science Museum
Emanuel Mendes da Costa (1717-1791): multicultural and multinational networks in Georgian London
The University of Lincoln, in partnership with the Royal Society and the
Science Museum, is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified UK/EU
candidate for a full-time Collaborative Doctoral Award. The award is
funded by the UK AHRC to conduct research on the lives and letters of
Emanuel Mendes da Costa (1717-91). Da Costa was a Royal Society
secretary, conchologist, antiquarian, and member of the Sephardic London
Community. He was a leading collector in the crux of a transition in
natural history, moving from baroque cabinets of curiosities to Linnaean
Enlightenment taxonomy. By studying his scientific works and largely
unknown correspondence network in the Royal Society, British Library,
the Lincoln Cathedral, and other repositories, the student will analyse
both his fixed beliefs and impact of innovation in natural history. In
its analysis of Da Costa’s life and letters, the PhD’s research also
will elucidate the status of Jews in Georgian England, and the social
norms and multicultural and multinational bounds of scientific
reputations within and without The Royal Society.
The 3.5 year studentship, beginning 1 October 2016, will be based in the
first year at the Royal Society, and in the second and third years at
the University of Lincoln. It offers a unique opportunity for the
award-holder to undertake original research leading to a PhD. The
student will also be part of the Royal Society Library and Science
Museum’s lively research environment where they will receive public
engagement, archival and curatorial training.
Subject to AHRC eligibility criteria, the scholarships cover tuition
fees and a grant (stipend) towards living expenses. The value of the
stipend for 2016/17 is yet to be confirmed. However, it is likely to be
£14,296 plus £550 additional stipend payment for Collaborative Doctoral
Students. Additionally, the student will receive support from The
Royal Society of up to £3000 during the duration of the studentship for
approved travel and expenses.
Start date 1st October 2016
Duration: 42 months
Eligibility criteria:
· Be a resident of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA).
· A First Class or high Upper Second BA Hons degree or
equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as History, History of
Science, Cultural Studies, Art History, or Judaic Studies.
·A completed masters-level qualification, or be expecting to complete this before you start your PhD study
·Research experience in at least one of the following areas:
cultural history (in particular, the history of visual or material
culture), the history of early modern science, Judaic Studies, early
modern British history.
·Preference may be given to applicants with expertise in
written Spanish and/or Portuguese, early modern paleography, or the
history of biological sciences.
To apply: Candidates should submit an expression of interest letter to Lynn Johnson at collegeofartspgr@lincoln.ac.uk
Informal enquiries regarding the award can be addressed to: Dr Anna Marie Roos: aroos@lincoln.ac.uk or Mr Keith Moore: keith.moore@royalsociety.org
Dr. Anna Marie Roos | Reader
College of Arts
University of Lincoln. Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. LN6 7TS