Collections Researcher (Transatlantic Slavery)

The National Archives has been awarded £1 million grant by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation for a new research programme on the history of transatlantic slavery. PASSAGE (Partnership for Transatlantic Slavery Scholarship, Archiving and Global Exchange) seeks to connect scholars and archival collections at The National Archives, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and other archives in the UK and globally to create new knowledge of the maritime trade of enslaved Africans. The partnership combines a collections-based project on the history of slave ships (1760-1807), which will deliver a range of academic and public engagement outputs, with an international research mobility programme that will centre and support the research of scholars from West Africa and the Caribbean on the history of transatlantic slavery.

We are looking for a fixed-term Collections Researcher (Transatlantic Slavery) to serve as a core member of the project team. The Collections Researcher will conduct original research in the Lloyd’s Register and The National Archives’ collections, focusing on Board of Trade, Admiralty and Colonial Office Records. This research will be the basis of a wide range of academic and public engagement outputs, including academic articles, conference presentations, web content, podcasts, learning resources, and research guides. There will be an opportunity to be involved in event planning and the development of an international research mobility programme, as well as scope for shaping future research agendas.

This is an excellent opportunity to become an integral part of an important and innovative global research project that seeks to make a historic intervention into the field of transatlantic slavery scholarship and archiving. With expertise in the history of slavery and/or maritime or colonial history, you will have considerable experience conducting archival research and will be developing a growing academic profile within your field/s. As a member of our Research, Grants and Academic Engagement department, you will respond creatively to research challenges, contributing to the future of our research vision and its delivery.

The National Archives is committed to supporting the development of researchers at all career stages and there will be opportunities for the Collections Researcher to engage in skills development and training to benefit their longer-term research ambitions.

This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

How to apply:

If you are an internal applicant: please do not use the link on this page. Please apply via your employee Workday account.

If you are an external applicant: to submit your application please click the 'Apply' button on this page.

You will be asked to upload your CV and write a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section.

We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources to assist with your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Please note: anonymised recruitment is standard for roles across the Civil Service. However, due to the nature of this role and the information required in the selection process, please disregard any requests to anonymise your application.

Essential criteria:

- Postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience, in History or related discipline

- Active research profile and demonstrable credibility in the academic and research sectors relating to the history of transatlantic slavery or eighteenth or nineteenth century maritime or colonial history

- Record of developing, conducting and delivering innovative archival research

- Ability to read eighteenth-century and early nineteenth century manuscripts

- A good understanding of contemporary scholarship on the history of transatlantic slavery or ability and skill to develop specialist knowledge in this area

- Ability to produce written and oral content for both public and academic audiences

- Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, and therefore able to interact well and build effective relationships and networks within the organisation and externally

- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and under own initiative

Desirable criteria:

- Demonstrable knowledge of collections at The National Archives

- Project management skills, including some experience of developing and delivering academic events and/or programmes.

Museum Website: https://nationalarchives.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Careers/job/Kew/Collections-Researcher--Transatlantic-Slavery-_JR200523