Research Officer (Archives), Dept of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies

TN United Kingdom; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a forward-thinking university, seeking a part-time Archivist Research Officer to join a groundbreaking research project. This role involves constructing an innovative archive that traces the histories of free psychoanalytic clinics, contributing to exhibitions and events, and collaborating with a dynamic research team. If you have a passion for archival studies and a keen interest in psychoanalysis, this position offers a unique chance to make a significant impact in the field. Join a diverse and inclusive environment that values internationalism and fosters creativity in research.

Qualifications

• Possess an MA in archival studies or cultural sector management.
• Experience with psychoanalytic archives and archive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Construct The Free Clinics Archive and contribute to related exhibitions.
• Collaborate with the research team to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Archivist Research Skills

Archival Studies

Cultural Sector Management

Psychoanalytic Archives

German Language Skills

Education

MA in Archival Studies

MA in Cultural Sector Management

Job description

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Research Officer (Archives), Dept of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, Colchester

Client: University of Essex

Location: Colchester, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: fc9c95691707

Job Views: 19

Posted: 02.05.2025

Expiry Date: 16.06.2025

Job Description

Applications are invited for a three-year, 20% FTE Archivist Research Officer (Postgraduate) to work on an exciting research project, ‘Free Clinics and a Psychoanalysis for the People: Progressive Histories, Collective Practices, Implications for our Times’ (FREEPSY), funded by a UKRI Frontier Research Grant (ERC Consolidator Grant guarantee), held by Prof Raluca Soreanu, PI.

The project brings together a team of eight researchers across four strands, aiming to produce a new global understanding of psychoanalysis as a progressive discourse and practice. It traces the histories of free psychoanalytic clinics through interdisciplinary research spanning psychosocial studies, social theory, historical research, and arts methods. The project investigates how clinician collectives involved in the social mission of psychoanalysis innovate within clinical, institutional, and mental health cultures, reconfiguring concepts of time, space, money, suffering, and their interrelations. It includes ethnography and archival research across multiple global locations.

Duties of the Role

The post will be primarily based in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex. The Archivist Research Officer will play a key role in constructing The Free Clinics Archive, contributing to exhibitions, events, and activities related to the project. The role involves networking, outreach, and collaboration with the research team, including the PI, postdoctoral fellows, a PhD researcher, and the communication and events officer. The successful candidate will help achieve the research objectives of FREEPSY.

Full duties and responsibilities are detailed in the attached job pack.

Qualifications and Skills

Applicants should possess an MA in archival studies or cultural sector management, with excellent research skills. Experience working with psychoanalytic archives and knowledge of archive construction and maintenance are essential. Candidates with understanding of archival research in health and social contexts are encouraged to apply. German language skills are an advantage.

Additional Information

This is a fixed-term, part-time position (7.2 hours/week) until 15 October 2026.

At the University of Essex, we value internationalism and diversity, fostering an inclusive environment for staff and students from all backgrounds. We support this through initiatives like our staff-led diversity network and Faith Centre, which hosts various cultural and spiritual events. For more information, please see our diversity and inclusion resources.