HistoryLab+ and HistoryUK have together developed a UK-wide survey of the support and access to resources available to historical researchers post-PhD.
HistoryLab+ is the UK’s national network for early career historians (ECHs). It is open to people (a) approaching the end of their doctorate in History (or a related subject) or (b) with a doctorate in History (or a related subject), in the early stages of their career in any sector. The committee works with the network’s parent institution, the Institute of Historical Research (IHR), with learned societies, and with professionals across the education, GLAM, media, and other sectors to provide members with tailored support, including
- career development training,
- networking opportunities,
- resources,
- and a programme of events showcasing recent historical research and projects in a wide variety of specialisms.
HistoryUK is the independent national body promoting and monitoring the discipline of History in the UK’s higher education sector. It is funded by History departments or their equivalents and campaigns on issues of concern to academic historians and the broader history community, particularly in the following areas:
- the profile of History in higher education and beyond
- the state of the profession, particularly the recruitment and career development of undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and staff
- research culture, including the research resources available to historians and the impact of the Research Excellence Framework
- teaching and learning within the discipline, especially the impact of the National Student Survey and Teaching Excellence Framework
- audit culture, to ensure that the demands of external audit and quality measurement are appropriate to the discipline and light in touch
HistoryLab+ is seeking an early career historian to do the following:
- review and refine the survey
- guide it through the School of Advanced Study’s ethical review process,
- co-ordinate its dissemination to ECHs and teaching staff in higher education departments,
- ensure GDPR compliance and otherwise manage the data (in co-ordination with members of the HistoryLab+ committee),
- analyse the data
- and produce a report suitable for web publication
This project is expected to start in July 2026 and to be completed within the 2026-27 academic year.
The successful applicant will be paid an honorarium totalling £800, in two instalments, and will be named as principal author of the resulting web publication.
The deadline for applications is 14 June at 23:59.
Eligibility
Any person either (a) approaching the end of their doctorate in History (or a related subject) or (b) with a doctorate in History (or a related subject) and in the early stages of their career in any sector. A ‘related subject’ can be any Humanities subject, providing that your doctoral research does or did involve mainly historical research, as opposed to the study of contemporary incidents and other phenomena.
How to apply
Please submit the following to historylabplus.ihr@gmail.com by 14 June at 23:59:
- a one-page document outlining the training, work experiences, and skills that make you suitable for this role
- a two-page CV
- contact details for one referee who may be contacted if you are shortlisted
- your availability for a short online interview in the w/c 15 June if you are shortlisted
If you have any questions at all, please direct these to historylabplus.ihr@gmail.com and treasurer.historylabplus@gmail.com.
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Sarah Wride