Research Fellow (University of Edinburgh’s Historical Links to African Enslavement and Colonialism) 2023/2024

Research Fellow (University of Edinburgh’s Historical Links to African Enslavement and Colonialism) 2023/2024. Apply below.

When is Application Deadline: 4th July 2023

Tell Me About Award: UoE are looking for a Research Fellow to conduct historical research over an 18-month period that will contribute to the work of the Research and Engagement Working Group (REWG) on Engaging with the University of Edinburgh’s Historical Links to African Enslavement and Colonialism and their Racial Legacies Today. We welcome applications for this post from candidates with competence in the fields of British Colonialism and Empire, colonial/postcolonial histories of British colonialism and the history of race and/or the development of racial ‘science’. We particularly welcome applications from members of racially minoritized groups who are currently under-represented in the University.

The role of the co-chairs is to write a report on the University’s historical links to slavery and colonialism and their contemporary legacies today. They are responsible for the overall coordination and production of the report, including advertising and appointing new posts, establishing a programme of work, coordinating engagement and consultation events and processes, chairing the REWG, overseeing the research, reporting to EDIC, providing progress reports to the SG, and writing the report.

The REWG is comprised of academics (including the project’s three research fellows), student representatives, community organizations and activist groups. This group meets monthly to discuss the work and its progress. The REWG works in conjunction with the SG and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC). The REWG’s role is to: provide supervision and mentorship for three postdoctoral or professional equivalent research fellows who will be hired to conduct the research component of the report; provide a bridge to relevant community groups in Edinburgh, Scotland and the UK; offer consultancy on issues relating to the legacies of African enslavement and colonialism; ensure the review’s visibility and accountability to external communities; and offer expertise on issues relating to the University’s history and legacies of slavery and colonialism.

The three research fellows are each looking at different aspects of the histories and legacies of slavery and colonialism, as linked to the University of Edinburgh. The other two posts have already started investigating African enslavement and contemporary forms of institutional racism. The candidate for this post will therefore be working alongside the other fellows by investigating links between the University and colonialism.

Main responsibilities

• · To conduct a systematic review of existing historical research relating to the University of Edinburgh’s relationship to colonialism and the development of racial ‘science’. This could take a number of different routes, including: the links between the Scottish Enlightenment and racism; the development of racial pseudo-‘sciences’ (such as phrenology); an investigation into university collections linked to colonialism; an exploration of links to mercantile institutions such as the East India Company, as well colonial administrators; links between the University and African colonialism etc.
• · In light of the above literature review, to design and carry out an original historical research project on aspects of the University of Edinburgh’s relationship to colonialism within its civic, regional and colonial context, under the guidance of the mentors and the REWG. This will require accessing and exploring archives in Edinburgh, and may also include accessing other relevant archival sites.
• · To disseminate research findings in written form, for example in peer-reviewed journals, and in verbal forms to the University and other academic audiences, as well as to broader communities, including communities of reparatory justice interest.
• · To work with colleagues in the Centre for Research Collections to make the university’s archival and material culture holdings relating to colonialism accessible to public audiences.
• · To liaise with stakeholders, other professional and community contacts and wider audiences, as appropriate. To participate in discussions regarding research outputs and next steps.
• · In addition to enhancing career prospects through publications and presentations, to have the opportunity to engage in some teaching.

Key contacts/relationships:

• · Research fellow mentor (Nicola Frith and Daryl Green)
• · Research and Engagement Working Group (REWG) Chairs (Professor Tommy Curry and Dr Nicola Frith)
• · Other research fellows
• · Other members of Research and Engagement Working Group
• · Other information professionals and community-based contacts undertaking similar research

Type: Fellowship

Who can Apply?

• A PhD completed or nearing completion in history or a related area on a topic relevant to the project, or equivalent knowledge and experience developed outside formal education.
• Knowledge of scholarly literature on British colonialism and Empire
• Ability to apply relevant knowledge, skills and techniques in research, discussion and dissemination
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing at an appropriate level to a variety of stakeholders, including academic audiences and communities of reparatory justice interest.
• Motivated, pro-active and methodica

Where will Award be Taken? University of Edinburgh

How Many Awards? 3

What is the Benefit of Award? UE07: £36,333.00 – £43,155.00 Per Annum

An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which includes a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more. Access our staff benefits page for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided. 

How Long will Award Last?

• Fixed Term Contract: Full Time – 35 Hours per Week
• Fixed Term Duration: 18 months from 1st September 2023

How to Apply: APPLY NOW

Visit Award Webpage for Details