PhD Studentship at University of Cambridge in the History of 20th Century Biology

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Collaborative Doctoral Award (CDA) PhD Studentship
Applications are invited for a doctoral studentship in the history of modern biology at the University of Cambridge, to start in October or January of the 2020-21 academic year.
This project offers the opportunity to prepare a pathbreaking historical account of twentieth-century biology and biotechnology in Britain, drawing on extensive and largely untouched archives related to plant virus research held at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. The research student will investigate three distinct eras in plant virology: virus control in crop plants at the Potato Virus Research Station, molecular biological investigations at the Virus Research Unit, and the development of industrial biotechnology at the JIC Virus Research Department. The result will be a novel account of some of the most important changes in biological research in the past 100 years.
The studentship will be based in the University's Department of History and Philosophy of Science. The successful applicant will work on a collaborative project co-led by Dr Helen Anne Curry, Department of History and Philosophy of Science and Dr Sarah Wilmot, Library and Archives, John Innes Centre, Norwich. They will engage with two world-leading research communities: in the histories of modern science, medicine, and technology at Cambridge HPS, and in plant science, genetics, and microbiology at the JIC in Norwich. The project will also afford opportunities to develop skills in archive development and public history in collaboration with staff of the JIC Library and Archives.
Full DTP studentships, for candidates who meet the AHRC residency requirements, will provide an annual maintenance grant to cover living costs (£15,009 pa at current rates) and will fully cover university tuition fees. Fees-only studentships are available for applicants ordinarily resident in an EU country other than the UK, but applicants can also apply for maintenance grant funding from other sources.
Applicants with masters-level training in the arts, humanities, or social sciences are encouraged to apply, with the fields of history, history of science and medicine, science & technology studies, and sociology particularly desirable. Inquires prior to application are strongly encouraged and should be directed to Dr Curry.
For more information on funding and how to apply visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/23357/