Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) - School of History and Cultures - 105992 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of History and Cultures

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Closing date: 10th August 2025

Interview date: 26th August 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the Leverhulme Trust funded research project "The Ascent Of Paper Currency In Britain, 1690s–1920s".

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grant
• Operate within area of specialism
• Collect and organise research data held primarily by the Bank of England Archive, while making visits to other relevant UK archives
• Contribute to the creation of a large database on historical banknote users
• Collect and summarise relevant background information about monetary and financial history in modern Britain between 1690s and 1920s
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and implement research for the Ascent of Paper Currency project
• Collect historical data on lost note claims at the Bank of England between the 1690s and 1920s and other related information through archival and desktop research
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism (typically but not exclusively economic history, modern history, economics, economic geography) and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

We encourage applicants with MA's to apply, please be advised that a PhD isn't mandatory for this post.

Informal enquiries to Hiroki Shin, email: [email protected]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .