Research Associate - Prisons, Drugs and Mental Health: an interdisciplinary global study
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About The Role
We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research team on a prestigious Wellcome Trust Discovery Award: Prisons, Drugs and Mental Health: an interdisciplinary global study. Led by PI Professor Clare Anderson, this international collaboration includes partners from the University of Leicester, the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill), and the NGO Le Chantier in Mauritius.
You will contribute to historical research across six case study sites—Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, and Seychelles—focusing on colonial and post-colonial legacies related to prisons, drugs, and mental health. Your work will involve archival research, mainly at The National Archives at Kew, and collaboration with team members conducting contemporary research in Law, Criminology, and Arts. This includes working with researchers from Leicester, the University of Guyana, UWI Cave Hill, Le Chantier Mauritius, and other associated RAs and PhD students, possibly involving research on post-colonial records in UK and overseas repositories.
Your responsibilities include analyzing and disseminating research findings through scholarly publications and policy-relevant outputs, engaging stakeholders, supporting events such as an international conference, and mentoring early-career researchers and citizen researchers in-country.
About You
You should hold a PhD in History or a related discipline (awarded prior to the start date), with expertise in British colonial history, particularly relating to prisons, drugs, or mental health. Experience in archival research and understanding of decolonized scholarship approaches are essential. A track record of peer-reviewed publications and a commitment to research impact and community engagement are required. Experience with research on the British Caribbean, Mauritius, or Seychelles, and proficiency in French and/or Spanish, would be advantageous.
You will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a collegial working style, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong workload management and contribution to project milestones are also important.
Additional Information
For informal enquiries, contact Clare Anderson at ca26@le.ac.uk. Interviews are expected to take place on 20 May 2025. The role may also be considered as a secondment for current staff—discuss with your line manager before applying. More details about secondments are available on the university website.
The University of Leicester values diversity and inclusion, embedding these principles in our core activities. We offer a competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.
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