Research Assistant/Associate (History)

TN United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate with expertise in archival research and oral history for an innovative project on social inequalities related to therapeutic environments. This full-time position offers mentoring, research training, and opportunities for publication over a fixed term of up to 4 years.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting oral histories and interviews.
• Knowledge of health, environmental history, and British landscapes.
• Emerging research publication record.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on research studying access to therapeutic environments.
• Conduct oral histories and ethnographic research.
• Develop policy briefs for UK policymakers.

Skills

Oral histories

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Interdisciplinary research

Education

Master’s degree or near completion of PhD in history or related fields

Job description

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Research Assistant/Associate (History), Newcastle upon Tyne

Client: Newcastle University

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: ca2660d488ed

Job Views: 3

Posted: 19.05.2025

Expiry Date: 03.07.2025

Job Description:

Research Assistant £32,546 to £34,132 per annum

Newcastle University offers excellent benefits, including a generous holiday package, pension schemes, and health initiatives.

The Role

We seek a Research Assistant/Associate with expertise in archival research and oral history to work on an innovative project titled, "Accessing the Wellbeing Commons," led by PI Dr. Elizabeth Turk and funded by the Wellcome Trust.

The project analyzes social inequalities related to access to therapeutic environments, employing historical and anthropological methods to explore changes in land access and usage in the UK and Inner Asia. The RA will conduct oral histories, interviews, and archival research focusing on blue spaces in Devon, UK.

This role provides mentoring, research training, and opportunities for publication. It is a full-time, fixed-term position for up to 4 years, starting as soon as possible after 1 October 2025. Flexibility in working arrangements is available, with travel required for fieldwork.

Applicants from minority and/or host communities are encouraged. UK visa support is available under the Global Talent Visa Endorsed Funder Route.

The position is based in the School of History, Classics & Archaeology, which offers a vibrant research environment, mentoring, training, and career development opportunities.

To apply, submit your CV, cover letter addressing the essential criteria, and one relevant writing sample (7,000-10,000 words). Additional documents should be included in the same file, not exceeding 10MB.

For inquiries, contact Dr. Elizabeth Turk at [emailprotected].

Key Accountabilities

• Collaborate on research studying access to therapeutic environments and blue spaces in Devon.
• Conduct oral histories and ethnographic research.
• Engage with community groups and stakeholders.
• Use archival research methods.
• Develop policy briefs for UK policymakers.
• Contribute to a Digital Hub for the project.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and outreach.
• Support the research culture within the School and Faculty.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience in conducting oral histories and interviews.
• Knowledge of health, environmental history, and British landscapes.
• Emerging research publication record.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to issues of equality, access, and discrimination.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and writing skills.
• Sensitivity in working with diverse communities.
• Interdisciplinary research aptitude.
• Willingness to undertake immersive fieldwork.
• Interest in ethnographic research development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or near completion of PhD in history or related fields such as geography, anthropology, sociology, etc.