Assistant Professor in History of the Iberian Empires (111483-0426)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries about the role, please contact Professor Tim Lockley (Head of Department) at T.J.Lockley@warwick.ac.uk.

The Department of History seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor in the History of Iberian Empires on a full-time and indefinite basis from 1 September 2026. 

You will be part of one of the largest History departments in the UK with a thriving community of teachers and researchers covering a range of disciplines and geographical areas.   

You will have expertise in the History of Iberian Empires (c.1450-1800), fitting in with at least one of the University of Warwick’s interdisciplinary research spotlights. Your scholarship will focus primarily on the connections of commerce, enslavement, or empire forged by Spain and/or Portugal beyond Europe – whether in Africa, the South Atlantic, Latin America, and/or Asia - in the early modern period. We would especially welcome candidates whose work explores the experiences of Black and Indigenous peoples in Iberian colonial societies. An ability to work with one or more non-Western languages (alongside Spanish and/or Portuguese) is desirable.

You need to be able to demonstrate how your research in the history of early modern Iberian empires is fresh and exciting and you should indicate in your covering letter how your research interfaces with existing specialisms and research centres in the department, the faculty and wider university. Within History, existing research and teaching specialisms include Latin American and Caribbean history, African history, global history, Jewish history, Atlantic history, histories of India, China, and the Pacific. We have expertise in the history of race, gender, sexuality, colonialism, slavery and freedom, the environment, mobility, food, and the body. Relevant research centres within History include the Global History and Culture Centre and the Early Modern and Eighteenth-Century Centre.

There are also many opportunities to develop connections and collaborations with colleagues in other departments, especially Hispanic Studies, Global Sustainable Development, and Politics and International Studies; and with interdisciplinary centres and networks, including the Latin America at Warwick Network, the Yesu Persaud Centre for Caribbean Studies, the Centre for Global Jewish Studies, and the Centre for the History of the Renaissance.

It is envisaged that you may teach on some of the modules listed below, depending on the successful candidate’s knowledge and expertise and department requirements:

• HI113 Europe in the Making 
• HI115 A History of Latin America
• HI2C1 Galleons and Galleys
• HI2K9 Historical Research

In addition, you will be encouraged to propose your own modules depending on your expertise and research interests. 

You will also be expected to supervise final-year dissertations and contribute to MA teaching. 

You will undertake lecturing, seminar teaching, essay tutorials, office hours, marking of undergraduate work and monitoring of student attendance in accordance with the Department’s quality assurance practices. You will also act as personal tutor to an assigned group of undergraduate students, providing pastoral support and guidance during the academic year. You will be actively engaged in research in the History of Iberian Empires.

We welcome applications from early career researchers from all sections of the community from around the globe.  Please note you must have already completed your PhD when you apply. 

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

The Warwick University History Department is one of the largest history departments in the UK, with teaching and research notable for its disciplinary range and geographical scope. The Department is comprised of c.50 academic staff, 5 postdoctoral staff, 13 support staff, c.1,000 undergraduate students, and c.80 postgraduate students. The Department has a strong international reputation and consistently high rankings in both UK and international surveys. In the recent REF 2021 exercise 92% of research was ranked as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). The Department is committed to maintaining and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion amongst its staff and student community.

The Department is home to six research centres: the Global History and Culture Centre; the Centre for the History of Medicine, Science and Technology; the European History Centre; the Early Modern and Eighteenth Century Centre; the Centre for Global Jewish Studies and the Centre for Caribbean Studies.  We also engage with the Centre for the Study of the Renaissance which is a Faculty of Arts research centre.    

All staff have access to an annual Individual Research Account (currently £750) to support their research. In addition, you will be eligible to apply for faculty and university funding to support teaching and research initiatives. We will assign you a mentor from among the permanent members of staff who will help your continued professional development.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 10th May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a short CV and cover letter (max. 2 pages). Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

Writing samples should not be submitted with the initial application. These will be requested from candidates at the shortlisting stage of the recruitment process. References will only be requested from shortlisted candidates. 

• Interview Date: Early July 2026
• Start Date: 01 September 2026

Interviews may take place remotely via Microsoft Teams if this proves necessary.

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

The History department values diversity and equality, and furthers it by challenging discrimination and promoting freedom of speech. We are committed to supporting all colleagues in line with the Equality Act 2010.

We particularly welcome applications from communities that are presently underrepresented in the discipline of History in the UK. This includes individuals who identify as Black, Asian, and from other underrepresented ethnicities.