Research Assistant/Associate (Modern British History)

This is a fixed-term, full-time Research Assistant/Associate position in Modern British History at Newcastle University. The role involves archival and historical research for an interdisciplinary project examining sleep, work, and wellbeing for healthcare professionals in English and Scottish hospitals from the mid-19th century to the present. Key requirements include experience in modern British history research, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate on public engagement outputs.

• As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf .
• These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
• Newcastle University is committed to the responsible use of research metrics as part of our research culture and research strategy.
• We advocate for the transparent, appropriate, and inclusive use of metrics, guided by expert judgment, to support high-quality, impactful research that is open, collaborative and sustainable.
• Click here for our full policy statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics.
• We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant/Associate (RA) with a specialism in modern British history to work on an interdisciplinary project entitled, The Night Shift 1850-present: Reimagining Sleep, Work and Wellbeing for Healthcare Professionals in English and Scottish Hospitals, led by PI Dr Kristin Hussey and funded by the Wellcome Trust.
• The Night Shift is an ambitious research project which aims to radically re-imagine sleep work and wellbeing for healthcare professionals working at night in England and Scotland.
• Working across medical, environmental and labour histories, the project will provide the first history of the British hospital ward at night.
• The Night Shift will develop a new framework to understand the lived experience of night shift work by bringing together historical insights with qualitative and Participatory Action Research.
• The successful candidate will use historical and archival research to explore the development of night work in hospital settings from the nineteenth century to 2000.
• They will develop and apply conceptual and methodological approaches to historical night work.
• The postholder will also help to deliver a variety of public engagement outputs including an exhibition and public programme.
• Newcastle University is a signatory to the Concordat to support researchers’ career development which entitles researchers up to 10 days annually of personal CPD activities.
• This post is a (maximum) 60-month fixed term Research Assistant/Associate in History, and a full-time appointment.
• The successful candidate will start work as soon as possible after 1 March 2027, ending no later than April 18, 2032.
• Flexible working is welcome, but the postholder must be willing to travel for fieldwork and other research/engagement activities.
• Applicants with minority and/or host community backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. Should the successful applicant require a UK Visa for this role, they will be eligible to apply under the Endorsed Funder Route of the Global Talent Visa. The University will support the applicant through this process.
• Contact for the post is Dr Kristin Hussey: kristin.hussey@newcastle.ac.uk
• To apply, please upload an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the essential job criteria. Please also upload one writing sample (e.g. journal article, book chapter, or thesis chapter) that you feel best reflects your research (10,000 words max).

• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Experience of carrying out archival and historical research in the field of modern British history (post-1800), with a relevant disciplinary focus (ie, history of medicine, labour history, environmental history, sensory history)
• Demonstrable knowledge of relevant historiographical themes and methodologies (ie, sensory approaches, embodiment, temporality)
• Outstanding communication skills for realising research aims, public engagement and outreach, as well as those necessary to work successfully as part of a team
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications and with experience with Nvivo software desirable