Job Description
Position Details
Department of History
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Part Time (18 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to February 2027
Closing date: 8th March 2026
Background
To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities in relation to the Historic England's funded KNEWA (Developing Knowledge and Networks for the Expansion of Wellbeing Archaeology research project.
Developing Knowledge and Networks for the Expansion of Wellbeing Archaeology (KNEWA) aims to advance the understanding of how the obstacles currently limiting WA's capacity to expand its reach and meet overlooked needs can be overcome. The project brings together the University of Birmingham and the University of Lincoln to partner with Historic England to deliver Developing Knowledge and Networks for the Expansion of Wellbeing Archaeology (KNEWA).
KNEWA will run for 1 year, it will collect and compare data on policies and delivery of WA in England, Denmark and Italy to advance understanding of what works in what conditions, including the impact of different policies in heritage and health. KNEWA has intended policy outcomes for England, as a comparative understanding of the impact of different delivery methods and heritage/health policies on the reach and effectiveness of WA provision will identify actionable areas for improvement that can feed back through Historic England into more effective delivery of policy in England.
Role Summary
Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
Operate within area of specialism including but not limited to Heritage, Archaeology, History and Wellbeing
Analyse and interpret research findings and results
Contribute to generating funding
Contribute to public understanding of the discipline
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
Contribute to writing bids for research funding
Analyse and interpret data
Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
Disseminate research findings for publication and for Historic England
Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
Undertake management/administration and arising from research
Contribute to Departmental/School and Historic England research-related activities and research-related administration
Contribute to enterprise, and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
Present research outputs, including drafting reports, policy papers/briefing, academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars, briefings, steering committee meetings 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 heritage, archaeology or related subjects and a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
High level analytical capability
Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences
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
Informal enquiries to Faye Sayer, email:
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
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 .