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- Tasks: Lead research on plants and enslavement, collaborate with a dynamic team, and publish findings.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a diverse institution committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on public history and heritage while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: PhD in History or related field; expertise in environmental histories and archival research required.
- Other info: Position starts October 1, 2025, with travel to heritage sites and regular meetings in Bristol.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Senior Research Associate: Plants, Enslavement, and Public History
City of Bristol College
Swindon
GBP 30,000 – 45,000
Senior Research Associate: Plants, Enslavement, and Public History
The School of Humanities invites applications for a postdoctoral Senior Research Associate (SRA) specialising in environmental histories of enslavement to support the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, “Plants, Enslavement, and Public History: Re-imagining green spaces as places of heritage and healing” (2024-2028). The SRA will work with the Principal Investigator, Dr Jessica Moody, in running and delivering this fellowship and will be part of a collaborative team including a second Senior Research Associate, a Project Manager, and project partners such as a Project Curator.
The fellowship, in partnership with the National Trust for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the International National Trusts Organisation, aims to explore historical connections between plants, people, and histories of enslavement. It will analyze the public memory of plants and enslavement at Atlantic heritage sites, develop ethical research methods, and reveal the commemorative potential of plants and green heritage spaces. The project will also develop interpretative test sites at partner locations.
This is a full-time, three-year fixed-term position starting October 1, 2025. The role requires regular in-person meetings in Bristol and at Heelis (National Trust, Swindon), as well as travel to archives and heritage sites.
What will you be doing?
- Lead work package 2: ‘Plants as counter-memory of enslavement’ researching historical connections between plants and enslavement
- Undertake a 0.4 (two days per week) secondment with the National Trust to develop networks, facilitate communication, and conduct scoping research
- Conduct archival research on plants, gardens, and histories of enslavement, particularly related to partner sites
- Collaborate with the Project Curator and team to support the development of interpretative materials
- Publish research findings and present to diverse audiences
Qualifications and experience
- PhD in History or a relevant arts/humanities field
- Experience in environmental histories of enslavement
- Expertise in 17th and 18th-century archival sources and country house history
- Ability to communicate across sectors (academic, heritage) locally, nationally, and internationally
- Capable of working collaboratively and managing independent research
Applicants should include in their cover letter how the Plants, Enslavement, and Public History project aligns with the new National Trust strategy.
Additional information
For informal enquiries, please contact Jessica Moody via email at Jessica.moody@bristol.ac.uk.
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy for 2030, aligning our mission, vision, and values.
The University of Bristol aims to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their potential. We seek to attract, develop, and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including people of colour, LGBT+, and disabled individuals, recognizing that diversity enhances our excellence as a global civic institution.
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Senior Research Associate: Plants, Enslavement, and Public History employer: City of Bristol College
Contact Detail:
City of Bristol College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate: Plants, Enslavement, and Public History
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific themes of the project, particularly the connections between plants and enslavement. This will not only help you understand the role you'll play but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of environmental history and public heritage. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet individuals connected to the National Trust or similar organisations, as this could provide valuable insights and connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences, especially those related to archival work and collaboration across sectors. Highlight any projects that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider how your personal values align with the mission of the National Trust and the goals of the project. Be ready to articulate this alignment in discussions, as it shows your commitment to the project's objectives and enhances your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate: Plants, Enslavement, and Public History
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Senior Research Associate position. Make sure you understand how your background aligns with the project's focus on environmental histories of enslavement.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explicitly mention how your experience and research interests align with the 'Plants, Enslavement, and Public History' project. Highlight any relevant work or studies that demonstrate your expertise in environmental histories and archival research.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When updating your CV, emphasise your PhD and any relevant research experience, particularly in environmental history or related fields. Include specific examples of past projects or publications that relate to the themes of the fellowship.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that your writing is concise and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Bristol College
✨Understand the Project's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the aims of the 'Plants, Enslavement, and Public History' project. Be prepared to discuss how your research interests align with the project's goals and the National Trust's strategy.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Highlight your experience in archival research and environmental histories of enslavement. Be ready to provide examples of past projects where you've successfully conducted similar research.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you have worked with diverse groups or across sectors, particularly in academic and heritage contexts.
✨Prepare for Diverse Audiences
As you'll be presenting findings to various audiences, practice explaining your research in accessible terms. Think about how you can engage different stakeholders, from academics to the general public.
