At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and analyse historical data on poverty in Wales from 1834 to 1930.
- Company: Collaborative project led by The National Archives and top universities.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, travel opportunities, and a chance to engage with the public.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by uncovering untold stories of Welsh paupers and their advocates.
- Qualifications: Strong research skills and experience in data analysis and transcription.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for public engagement and academic contributions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A Century of Struggle: Pauperism and the New Poor Law in Wales 1834 – 1930 is a collaborative research project led by The National Archives in collaboration with Aberystwyth University and Nottingham Trent University. The project aims to provide, for the first time, a detailed picture of the totality of the New Poor Law in Wales. It is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) (award reference: UKRI1432).
The post holder will be responsible for executing a programme of work on poverty and the poor law in Wales from 1834 to 1930 as agreed with the funder, The Arts and Humanities Research Council. This post will be focused mainly on the archives held in various north and mid-Wales Archive Services and the National Library of Wales, with regular visits to The National Archives in Kew. This post is a fixed term appointment for three years.
Principal duties:
- Collecting (digital imaging) and/or sampling sources and a substantial element of transcription of handwritten, typed or printed primary source material.
- Capturing the views and life stories of Welsh paupers, the wider poor and their advocates; and the same of the parochial, union, and central poor law authorities, as well as statistical and operational data.
- Undertaking analysis of materials collected including coding/geocoding, linguistic/corpus analysis, qualitative, and quantitative analysis as required.
- Managing volunteer editors and their development in the production of historical New Poor Law data sets.
- Engaging in public engagement activities including public presentations (solo and in collaboration with the research principal and co-investigators), and social/other media engagement.
- Responsible for academic engagement activities including proposing and delivering conference research papers.
- Contributing to the episodic reporting of outcomes to the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
- Authoring or co-authoring articles and other outputs named in the original grant application at the discretion and direction of the Project Lead.
A combination of onsite and home working is available, and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for necessary meetings/work. This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department.
Poor Law Research Assistant employer: Nationalmuseums
Contact Detail:
Nationalmuseums Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Poor Law Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the field of historical research or archives. Attend relevant events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with transcription and analysis. Bring examples of your work if you can. We want them to see how you can contribute to their project right away!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for public engagement! Since this role involves presentations and social media, practice talking about your research in an engaging way. We want to see you shine when discussing your findings and connecting with the public.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to dive into the world of historical research. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Poor Law Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the project and its goals. Familiarise yourself with the New Poor Law and its impact in Wales. This will help you tailor your application to show how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for.
Be Personal: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! Share your passion for history and research, and don’t be afraid to include personal anecdotes that highlight your relevant experience. We want to see the real you!
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight any specific skills that are relevant to the role, like transcription, analysis, or volunteer management. Use examples from your past work or studies to demonstrate how you’ve successfully used these skills before.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nationalmuseums
✨Know Your History
Make sure you brush up on the history of the New Poor Law and its impact in Wales. Familiarise yourself with key dates, figures, and events from 1834 to 1930. This will not only show your passion for the subject but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with archival research and transcription. Highlight any specific projects where you've collected or analysed historical data. If you have examples of coding or linguistic analysis, bring those up too!
✨Engage with Public Outreach
Since public engagement is a big part of this role, think about how you would present your findings to different audiences. Have a few ideas ready on how to make complex information accessible and engaging for the public.
✨Volunteer Management Experience
If you've worked with volunteers before, be ready to share your experiences. Discuss how you motivated them, managed their contributions, and any challenges you faced. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively.