Postdoctoral Research Associate (16th-18th century focus) - Inclusive Histories

Royal Holloway University of London; Egham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in England is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a 12-month project focusing on inclusive teaching of British political history. The role involves researching marginalized narratives and working with archival collections. Strong candidates will have experience in archival research and a keen interest in equality and inclusion in education. The position offers a competitive benefits package including generous leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Cycle to Work scheme

Free parking at campus

Qualifications

• Interest in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in research and teaching
• Experience conducting archival research, especially with 16th and 17th-century collections
• Demonstrable aptitude for proactive work and meeting targets

Responsibilities

• Research stories related to rights and representation in British history
• Work at The London Archives and other major archives
• Support inclusive teaching through research findings

Skills

Research interests aligned with historical topics

Experience in archival research

Organisational skills

Ability to write for non-academic audiences

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Teams

Job description

Full-time, Fixed Term (12 months)

Applications are invited for the post of Postdoctoral Research Associate in the School of Humanities.

Inclusive Histories is a collaborative research and schools engagement project aiming to support the more inclusive teaching of British political history as set out in the AQA Thematic GCSE specification, Britain: Power and the People: c1170 to the present day. As Research Associate you will play a key role in researching stories in the struggle for rights and representation that foreground the voice, experience and agency of traditionally marginalised groups. This includes, but is not limited to, stories relating to members of the global majority, LGBTQIA+ people, working class people, women and disabled people, as well as those with intersecting identities. Your focus will be on the sixteenth to eighteenth century section of the specification, with key topics being the Pilgrimage of Grace, the English Civil War, and the American Revolution. You should have research interests which broadly align with one or more of the key topics in the specification and its wider concerns with rights and representation. This research will be undertaken at The London Archives and at other major archives in London where you will be based for up to four days per week. This role includes a travel costs allowance of up to £1,000.

You will have an interest in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in research and teaching settings, including participatory research; excellent organisational skills; experience or a demonstrable aptitude for writing for non-academic audiences; and the ability to work on your own initiative and to act pro-actively. You will also be confident in the use of Microsoft Word and Teams, meeting targets, and with hybrid working. Experience of having conducted archival research with 16th and 17th-century collections is essential. This experience need not have been gained in a university role. Comparable experience gained in heritage, secondary education or other settings is also welcome.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:
Generous annual leave entitlement
Training and Development opportunities
Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
Free parking at our Egham campus

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

Candidates are welcome to submit a standard or narrative CV (see this guide from the Royal Society) and shortlisted candidates will receive the interview questions in advance.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Claire Kennan at [e-mail].

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: [e-mail]

Please quote the reference: 0725-153

Closing Date: 23:59, 1 September 2025

Interview Date: 6 and 7 October 2025