Postdoctoral Researcher: Exploring Liverpool John Moores University’s history in relation to slavery ( 2 years fixed Term)

As the university celebrates its Bicentenary in 2023, a number of pieces of research have been commissioned to seek a deeper understanding of the antecedent colleges, schools and institutions that comprise the many tendrils of our history. 

Linked to this wider history project and as part of our role in the Universities Studying Slavery Consortium (USS), we are embarking upon a research strand dedicated to understanding the university’s historical associations with slavery.  This strand will focus on the founding members of the institution and those connected with our wide and varied activities over the past 200 years. Liverpool John Moores University has made an unwavering commitment to the Black Lives Matter agenda and is determined to take a series of positive changes to ensure the institution is a welcoming place for students of colour, while being prepared to examine ourselves and our past history as part of this process. 

Working with colleagues in the School of Humanities and Social Science and across the University we require an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to lead this work. Using a range of local and national archives, and online sources and databases, this project will trace and assess the financial, familial, social and political links of the university’s original donors, benefactors and gifts back to the transatlantic slave trade and slavery. 

You will produce an initial briefing document for the University to consider, before delivering a public facing report based on research findings for a variety of stakeholders. The role will require public engagement with a range of groups and communities and you will play a lead role in considering next steps for the university, as well as informing on-going work with the USS international network. Working with guidance from the History Subject area there will be an emphasis on academic outputs, disseminating findings at seminars, conferences, and through scholarly journals and public history channels. You will contribute to a specialist MA module on Liverpool and Slavery and there will be other teaching opportunities within the History subject area and beyond.

The role requires a skilled researcher with extensive archival research skills, experience of independent fieldwork and an academic background in a relevant discipline linked to the subject of the project.  You should be able to work in a team and under your own initiative to deliver timely outputs that can be distilled to a variety of audiences and be underpinned by high quality academic writing and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The application should clearly outline your experience and fit with the project and the approach being taken. 

Informal enquires may be made to Dr Alex Miles, Director of the School of Humanities and Social Science: a.miles@ljmu.ac.uk. 

LJMU is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all background and communities irrespective of age, transgender status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion or belief.  All our appointments are made on merit. 

LJMU is committed to achieving equality of opportunity.

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