Centre for Women’s Studies,
Jawaharlal Nehru University
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
Position Overview
The Centre for Women’s Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship as part of the prestigious UK Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded project "Globalising Gender Studies after the Cold War: Histories and Movements, 1985-2025".
This international collaborative project brings together a distinguished research team consisting of one Principal Investigator (University of Cambridge), two Co-leads (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and Jawaharlal Nehru University), and three postdoctoral research fellows across three continents.
Project Description
Globalising Gender Studies explores the gendered effects of transitions to liberal democracy and neoliberal market economies after the Cold War through a comprehensive global history of Women's & Gender Studies. The project is conducted in partnership with women's studies centres and non-profit organisations across Eastern Europe, Latin America, and South Asia.
Our research challenges narratives that emphasize the imposition of 'gender expertise' by the global North, instead uncovering the rich history of contestation and negotiation between global and local actors. Through archival research and interviews with international donors, national governments, and women's/gender studies centres, we explore the complex process of institutionalization from the perspective of contemporary actors.
The project provides a unique comparative analysis of how this interdisciplinary field emerged through interactions between international donors, financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, national governments, and local social movements in the global South and post-socialist East.
Research Focus for this Position
The successful candidate will focus on grassroots movements and institutions that established Women's and Gender Studies in Latin America. The research will employ methodological approaches from:
• Women's and gender history
• Social movement studies
• Oral history and/or ethnography
Potential Case Studies: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and different regions of India in a comparative frame
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POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Essential Qualifications
• PhD in a relevant discipline (disciplines in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences)
• Research experience with sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge to conduct independent research aligned with the main project
• Language skills: Fluent oral and written communication in English; proficiency in Hindi and basic understanding of Marathi, Tamil and Bengali
• Personal suitability and demonstrated motivation for collaborative research
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
• Academic merit, relevance, and innovation of the project proposal
• Academic and personal capacity to complete the project within the timeframe and contribute meaningfully to the larger research initiative
• Collaborative skills and ability to participate effectively in international academic partnerships
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Research and Scholarship
• Conduct original research and analysis contributing to a scholarly monograph and a special journal issue written by the project team
• Carry out archival work and conduct oral history interviews
• Produce two peer-reviewed journal articles reflecting the project's methodology and findings
• Actively contribute to the development and achievement of project objectives
2. Organization, Networking, and Public Engagement
• Liaise with project team members, partners, and the Cambridge-based project manager
• Coordinate research and administrative activities (conference planning, editorial work, team meetings)
• Build and strengthen internal and external academic networks
• Actively contribute to public outreach activities, including website/social media management, video documentary regarding the topic of the project, and general impact activities.
3. Project Management and Reporting
• Report regularly on research progress and outcomes to Principal Investigator and Co-leads
• Adapt methodologies based on feedback and project developments
• Maintain high standards of academic and administrative excellence
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WE OFFER
Employment Terms
• Full-time position based on project outputs
• Fixed-term contract for six months, renewable up to end of the project
• Salary: INR. 67,000 per month with House Rent Allowance as per rules
• Research support: Funding available for fieldwork, archival research, and conference attendance
Professional Development
• Full access to JNU’s research infrastructure and resources
• Collaboration opportunities within the university and with partner institutions internationally
• Integration into a prestigious international research network
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application Deadline: 10th April, 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Early application is encouraged.
Required Documents:
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words) outlining approach to the South Asian focus
• Two recommendation letters
• Sample of recent academic writing
• Cover letter demonstrating fit with project objectives
Please submit the following documents in English as a single PDF file.
Expected Start Date: May 2026 (flexible based on candidate availability)
Applications should be submitted to: msroy[at]jnu[dot]ac[dot]in
For inquiries about the position, please contact: msroy[at]jnu[dot]ac[dot]in
Additional Information
• Remote work may be accommodated for fieldwork and archival research periods, subject to project needs