History UK research fellowship – History and Disability Project

History UK is seeking two early career historians (PhD or post-doc) for short-term fellowships to contribute to their History and Disability project (co-funded by the RHS).  

History UK Disability and History Project  

The History UK EDI report [https://www.history-uk.ac.uk/history-uk-history-pedagogy-and-edi-project-report/] identified that disability is often not foregrounded in University EDI initiatives and was an area demanding further attention. The number of staff and students declaring disabilities is increasing and the awarding gaps for disabled students are significant. The Covid-19 pandemic and the wider mental health crisis in higher education highlighted the challenges faced. It also led to an intense interest from the student body in the histories of medicine, health and disability. The HUK Disability History Project has 2 complementary strands examining a) experiences of disabled students and staff in history departments in HEIs and b) the teaching and studying of disability history in UKHE. The aim is to generate evidence-based recommendations and produce a sector-wide report in the style of previous HUK reports. The project is jointly funded by the Royal Historical Society.  

The HUK research fellows will contribute to the shaping of the project, conduct desk-based research (of websites, blog posts, social media for relevant case studies, reports or practical guides and relevant peer-reviewed literature), present clear and concise summaries of their findings, facilitate survey work and focus groups. The research fellows will be expected to undertake 40 hours of work each during the project. Work can largely be undertaken flexibly at times that suit the researchers, except for some scheduled events. Researchers will begin work on the project during June 2024 and conclude in October 2024 (timescale subject to change). The renumeration for the fellowship is fixed at £750 per researcher. 

Person specification: 

  • An early career historian (PhD or post-doc) 
  • An interest in disability, history and pedagogy  
  • Excellent research skills 
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision 
  • Excellent organisation and project management skills 
  • Attention to detail 
  • Experience of surveys and focus groups  

Due to the nature of the project, we are particularly interested to receive applications from people researching/teaching disability history and/or who consider themselves a disabled historian. 

To apply: Send a short CV (1-2 pages) and cover letter to the project lead Dr Sarah holland (sarah.holland@nottingham.ac.uk

In the cover letter you should explain why you are interested in the role, how you meet the person specification, and what you will bring to the project.  

The deadline for applications is Friday 17 May 2024 at 5 pm.