Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on plants and enslavement, collaborate with a dynamic team, and publish findings.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a hub for innovative research and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact by exploring historical connections and contributing to public heritage and healing.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 key themes of the project, particularly the historical connections between plants and enslavement. This will not only help you understand the role of the Senior Research Associate but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions 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 specific projects where you've successfully communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider how your personal research interests align with the National Trust's new strategy. Be ready to articulate this alignment in conversations or interviews, demonstrating your commitment to their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate: Plants, Enslavement, and Public History
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to specifically address how your experience and research interests align with the 'Plants, Enslavement, and Public History' project. Highlight any relevant work you've done in environmental histories or related fields.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your PhD and any previous research that relates to 17th and 18th-century archival sources or country house history. Include any collaborative projects or communication across sectors that demonstrate your ability to work with diverse teams.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, include examples of how you've effectively communicated your research findings to different audiences, whether academic or public.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that all documents are well-formatted and free from errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
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 Experience
Highlight your PhD work and any relevant experience in environmental histories of enslavement. Be ready to provide specific examples of your archival research and how it relates to the role.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since this role involves working with a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past projects where you successfully worked with others, particularly in academic or 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 both academic and public audiences with your work.
