Research Fellow Department of History 107054 Grade 7

Position Details

Department of History

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822

Grade: 7

Part Time (18 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to February 2027

Closing date: 8th March 2026

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities in relation to the Historic Englands funded KNEWA (Developing Knowledge and Networks for the Expansion of Wellbeing Archaeology research project.

Developing Knowledge and Networks for the Expansion of Wellbeing Archaeology (KNEWA) aims to advance the understanding of how the obstacles currently limiting WAs capacity to expand its reach and meet overlooked needs can be overcome. The project brings together the University of Birmingham and the University of Lincoln to partner with Historic England to deliver Developing Knowledge and Networks for the Expansion of Wellbeing Archaeology (KNEWA).

KNEWA will run for 1 year it will collect and compare data on policies and delivery of WA in England Denmark and Italy to advance understanding of what works in what conditions including the impact of different policies in heritage and health. KNEWA has intended policy outcomes for England as a comparative understanding of the impact of different delivery methods and heritage/health policies on the reach and effectiveness of WA provision will identify actionable areas for improvement that can feed back through Historic England into more effective delivery of policy in England.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids

• Operate within area of specialism including but not limited to Heritage Archaeology History and Wellbeing

• Analyse and interpret research findings and results

• Contribute to generating funding

• Contribute to public understanding of the discipline

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication and for Historic England
• Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration and arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School and Historic England research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviews
• Present research outputs including drafting reports policy papers/briefing academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars briefings steering committee meetings and as posters
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of heritage archaeology or related subjects and a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences
• Fluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Faye Sayer email:

Use of AI in applications:We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.