Research Associate - Teaching the Legacies of Slavery in Theological Education Institutes

Reporting to the Institute’s Director of Studies, you will work as part of a project team to deliver the Durham University Seedcorn Grant funded: ‘Teaching the Legacies of Slavery in TEI’s: Exploring teaching practice concerning the transatlantic slave-trade and reparations.’ You will be responsible for conducting quantitative/qualitative research with Theological Education Institutes (TEI’s) in the UK and in the Caribbean exploring how/if TEI’s already teach content on 1) transatlantic slavery and the involvement of churches/missionary societies, 2) discussions on reparations (not limited to economics). The researcher will also ask, if they are indeed already taught, in which module are they covered, and how the subject is approached and will create reports of the diversity of each TEI student body.

Who are we?

The Scottish Episcopal Institute “Forming People for Ministry” is a Theological Educational Institute that forms people for lay and ordained ministry in the Scottish Episcopal Church (and partner denominations—United Reformed Church and Congregational Federation through the Scottish College).

Who we’re looking for…

We envision this project being suitable for a current or recently graduated PhD candidate in a relevant subject—theology, religious studies, education, history, with experience of quantitative or qualitative research. Knowledge of transatlantic slavery, and especially as this relates to the church will be of benefit. 

Duties

• Set a plan for qualitative/quantitative research method.
• Identify key people and conduct preliminary research the key partner organisations and their links with the transatlantic slave trade.
• Make contact with key organisations and conduct this qualitative/quantitative research in a timely manner.
• Organize and analyze the data collected and present it effectively to the project team.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of outreach and dissemination activities to share project results with TEI’s and for academic publication.

Person Specifiation

Education

• Currently engaged in postgraduate research in a relevant topic with at least a relevant MA (or equivalent).

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable and up-to-date expertise in ethnographic (qualitative/quantitative) methods. Experience of effective data collection and literature searches, and analysing data from a variety of sources.
• Experience of producing work for academic publication.
• Knowledge of experience in teaching in TEIs or Universities in relevant subject.

Attributes

• Flexible, positive, and responsible approach.
• Able to plan, organise and prioritise your own work to complete research activities in a logical and rigorous manner, within agreed timescales.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of people.
• Be able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy as well as handle sensitive information sensibly and responsibly.
• Have good internal and external relational skills.

For an informal chat email victoria.turner@scotland.anglican.org

Full Job Description

How to apply

By the closing date below, please send to victoria.turner@scotland.anglican.org the following documents:

• copy of your CV
• cover letter (one page of A4) explaining how you meet the job specifications
• research plan (one page maximum) outlining how you would approach this project within the timescale

Please give details to one academic referee familiar with your work and seek their consent to be contacted if offered an interview.

After the closing date

The selection panel will review applications and will be in touch by the end of May.

Interviews June 2026, Edinburgh / online

Reasonable travel costs to attend an interview will be reimbursed. Please note: You must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK to be eligible for this post.

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