Research Associate: 'The Making of Natural History, 1797 - Present'

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral Research Associate in History (full-time, 3 years) to join the team for Dr Francesca Mackenney's Leverhulme-funded project, ‘‘The Making of Natural History, 1797 - Present'. The successful candidate will take up their post on 1st October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the project:

‘The Making of Natural History, 1797 - Present' traces the rise of natural history in Britain in the nineteenth century, as a richly interdisciplinary subject that combined field observation of flora and fauna with local history, literature and illustration. Following the launch of a new GCSE in Natural History, the project explores how the subject may be revived and reinvented as new, interdisciplinary field of research. Led by Dr Mackenney (English), the team will include researchers in history, ecology, education, creative writing and fine art.

About the role:

As the historian on the project, the postholder will be responsible for:

• Carrying out research into the ‘history' of natural history in Britain in the nineteenth century, in order to better understand how the subject may be revived and reinvented as a new field of research.
• Exploring a wide range of archival sources in Manchester, Cumbria and elsewhere, to shed light on the long-overlooked contribution of agricultural labourers and a new, industrial working-class to environmental science in Britain.
• Practising and developing innovative, interdisciplinary methods of research: for example, by working with an ecologist to explore what historical sources may tell us about the rapidly changing environment of England's industrial heartlands, in a period that long precedes the establishment of the Biological Records Centre in 1964.
• Writing up your own research relating to the rich archival materials explored on the project (in 2 journal articles), and co-editing and contributing to a journal special by the whole team.

About you:

Applicants should:

• Hold or be very close to completing a doctorate in history or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
• Possess a broad and deep knowledge of nineteenth-century British history, with wider research interests in environmental history, history of science, historical ecology and/or other relevant areas.
• Be able to read, analyse and synthesise data from a wide range of historical materials, communicate research findings to a range of audiences, including researchers from other disciplines, and write up research for high-quality publications.
• Demonstrate experience of - or a willingness to engage with - archival and interdisciplinary research methods (especially of working with scientists and/or creative arts practitioners).

Applicants with interdisciplinary skills and interests - historians with a passion for bird-watching or botanical drawing, for instance - are warmly encouraged to apply.

Why join us?

Based in a city known for its innovation, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Manchester Metropolitan University is home to a thriving research culture dedicated to transforming our world by challenging convention, celebrating creativity and empowering people.

The School of English is a vibrant, inclusive community of expert practitioners and researchers, working together to make a different locally and globally, through performed, written and spoken communication. The ‘Making of Natural History' project will be based in the Centre for Place Writing, a creative and critical research centre established by a cluster of high-profile writers and academics working in the field of place writing.

The School of History, Politics and Philosophy is a lively, interdisciplinary school, seeking to understand change and continuity both locally in Manchester and beyond. It is home to the Manchester Centre for Public History and Heritage, which explores the complex economic, social and cultural relationships that connect people, places and the past.

To enquire about the role, contact Dr Francesca Mackenney (f.mackenney@mmu.ac.uk).

To apply, submit your CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria for the role.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.