Research Associate - Modern and Environmental History

The role

A 9-month fixed-term full-time post-doctoral research associate (PDRA) on Dr Andy Flack's (Senior Lecturer in Modern and Environmental History) 2021-2022 AHRC Leadership Fellowship 'Dark-dwellers as more-than-human misfits: a new synthesis of disability studies, sensory studies, environmental history and human-animal relations'. The PDRA will work as part of a team of academics, external educators, and artist practitioners to deliver ambitious research-led impact and public engagement outputs.

What will you be doing?

The successful candidate will undertake the following duties:

1. Undertake archival research relating to the history of the natural history of sensory adaptations among dark-dwelling creatures, from star-nosed moles to deep-sea organisms. Geographical contexts are Britain and North America.
2. Undertake archival research relating to broader intersections of disability studies, sensory studies, environmental history, and human-animal relations.
3. Undertake their own research at the intersection of disability studies/sensory studies, environmental history, and human-animal relations.
4. Contribute to public engagement opportunities, conference and journal papers emerging from the research.
5. Play a leading role in developing two impact activities informed by the research: i) a KS2 educational resource; and ii) an arts-based therapy for visually impaired individuals.
6. Lead in the organisation of a project workshop to take place towards the culmination of the project (late summer 2022).

You should apply if

You have a PhD (or are very close to completion) in a relevant subject and an emerging track record of publication/research communication in your specialist field.

You have relevant experience of independently engaging in archival research.

You have an interest in expanding your skillset to include management of impact, public engagement, and events work.

You have a good sense of how working as part of this research project will contribute to your broader career trajectory.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.