Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Historical Demography

University of Bradford; Bradford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed UK university is seeking a Researcher to contribute to a project on health changes during the Industrial Revolution. Responsibilities include analyzing demographic data and disseminating findings. Candidates should hold a PhD in historical demography and possess strong research skills. This full-time role offers competitive salary, holiday benefits, and access to excellent campus facilities.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Family-friendly policies

Unique fitness centre

Counseling & mental health services

Generous pension schemes

Qualifications

• PhD in historical demography or related subject area.
• Strong research background in historical demography.
• Experience of working with and interpreting large and diverse datasets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research as part of the 'Dead and Buried' project.
• Investigate archaeological, demographic, and geospatial evidence.
• Travel to national and international conferences.
• Disseminate research through various platforms.

Skills

Strong research background in historical demography

Ability to work independently

Experience with large datasets

Education

PhD in historical demography or related subject area

Job description

Salary: £40,497 to £45,413 Fixed‑Term, 1.0 FTE, campus based Post Type: Full Time Contract Type: Fixed Term Closing Date: Monday 02 February 2026 Interview Date: To be confirmed Reference: HR0193089-1

This job is only available to University of Bradford staff. It may be released externally should we not appoint internally.

University of Bradford

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last four years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Faculty

The School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated person to join us as part of the AHRC-funded “Dead and Buried: Investigating changes in health during the Industrial Revolution using documentary records and human skeletal remains” research project. The School conducts internationally recognised interdisciplinary research blending cultural archaeology with cutting edge science to explore the past within the context of contemporary challenges. Our research has been recognised by internal and external investment of over £6M for World Class Labs, and with a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world‑leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy and society.

“Dead and Buried” is led by Dr Jo Buckberry, head of the Biological Anthropology Research Centre. The project includes close collaboration with archaeologist Dr. Justin Lowry and Bioarchaeologist Dr. Gillian Crane Kramer (SUNY Plattsburgh) who will add to the diversity of perspectives and increase the impact of this research.

What you will be doing:

This post holder will conduct research as part of the “Dead and Buried” project. They will:

• Work collaboratively within a research team investigating the archaeological, demographic and geospatial evidence relating to human health during the industrial revolution
• Collate and interrogate demographic data from the 19th century in the UK and USA
• Travel to national and international conferences
• Research the environmental, economic and social background of the areas under investigation
• Disseminate research through conference papers, publications, outreach activities and social media

Qualifications/ experience:

• PhD in historical demography or related subject area.
• Strong research background in historical demography
• Experience of working with and interpreting large and diverse datasetsKnowledge and experience of appropriate statistics and research data analysis in historical demography
• Ability to work independently to solve relevant research problems

In Return we Offer:

• 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
• Family-friendly policies
• Great campus facilities including:
• Unique fitness centre
• Eye clinic
• Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
• Counselling & mental health services
• On site nursery
• Food & drink outlets
• Generous employer contribution pension schemes -
• Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts

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