As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is already a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. But it’s where we go next that makes things really interesting. In our strategic vision: Archives for Everyone, we set ourselves the challenge of becoming the 21st Century national archive - a different kind of cultural and heritage institution: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive. We won’t become this overnight. It will take time, focus, effort and daring. That’s where you come in. Because we can’t do this without you. Job Overview Salary: £38,322 - £42,000 per annum Contract type: Fixed-term appointment until 31st December 2027 Band: F / SEO Closing date: Sunday 30th March at midnight The National Archives (TNA) has been awarded £1 million grant by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation for a new research programme on the history of transatlantic slavery. PASSAGE (Partnership for Transatlantic Slavery Scholarship, Archiving and Global Exchange) seeks to connect scholars and archival collections at The National Archives, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and other archives in the UK and globally to create new knowledge of the maritime trade of enslaved Africans. The partnership combines a collections-based project on the history of slave ships (1760-1807), which will deliver a range of academic and public engagement outputs, with an international research mobility programme that will centre and support the research of scholars from West Africa and the Caribbean on the history of transatlantic slavery. We are looking for a fixed-term Collections Researcher (Transatlantic Slavery) to serve as a core member of the project team. The Collections Researcher will conduct original research in the Lloyd’s Register and The National Archives’ collections, focusing on Board of Trade, Admiralty and Colonial Office Records. This research will be the basis of a wide range of academic and public engagement outputs, including academic articles, conference presentations, web content, podcasts, learning resources, and research guides. There will be an opportunity to be involved in event planning and the development of an international research mobility programme, as well as scope for shaping future research agendas. This is an excellent opportunity to become an integral part of an important and innovative global research project that seeks to make a historic intervention into the field of transatlantic slavery scholarship and archiving. With expertise in the history of slavery and/or maritime or colonial history, you will have considerable experience conducting archival research and will be developing a growing academic profile within your field/s. As a member of our Research, Grants and Academic Engagement department, you will respond creatively to research challenges, contributing to the future of our research vision and its delivery. The National Archives is committed to supporting the development of researchers at all career stages and there will be opportunities for the Collections Researcher to engage in skills development and training to benefit their longer-term research ambitions. About us: TNA is the official archive of the UK government and for England and Wales, making available to the public a vast collection of historical records dating back over 1,000 years. TNA is also an Independent Research Organisation (IRO): multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research into all aspects of our collections and activities is at the heart of what we do. Our Research, Grants and Academic Engagement department is charged with conducting, enabling, and promoting world-class research, often delivered in collaboration with external partners including experts from academic, other heritage organisations, government departments and the industry. The department also works with colleagues across TNA, visiting scholars, and doctoral students. Within the beautiful surroundings of Kew, a 10-minute walk from the Underground and Overground stations, TNA boasts a collegial working environment and an excellent Civil Service benefits package. This includes flexible working, an on-site gym, wellbeing resources and an opportunity to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme. Putting you at the forefront of our organisation, we are committed to supporting professional development and training for all our colleagues. This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time. How to apply: To submit your application please click the 'Apply' button on this page. You will be asked to upload your CV and write a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section. We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources to assist with your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. Please note: anonymised recruitment is standard for roles across the Civil Service. However, due to the nature of this role and the information required in the selection process, please disregard any requests to anonymise your application. Job Description Role and Responsibilities Conduct archival research into the maritime history of slavery, using The National Archives and Lloyd’s Register collections Write and co-write academic publications and conference presentations on the maritime history of slavery based on archival research Disseminate project research through other media, such as blogs and podcasts, and work closely with the digital team to develop content for digital outputs Co-develop research guides and learning resources to publicise The National Archives and Lloyd’s Registers collections to increase access Assist with project planning and the organisation of academic programmes and events Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver the aims of the project and identify further opportunities for research in the history of transatlantic trade of enslaved people Working Conditions Normal office environment Display Screen Equipment user Person Specification Essential criteria: Postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience, in History or related discipline Active research profile and demonstrable credibility in the academic and research sectors relating to the history of transatlantic slavery or eighteenth or nineteenth century maritime or colonial history Record of developing, conducting and delivering innovative archival research Ability to read eighteenth-century and early nineteenth century manuscripts A good understanding of contemporary scholarship on the history of transatlantic slavery or ability and skill to develop specialist knowledge in this area Ability to produce written and oral content for both public and academic audiences Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, and therefore able to interact well and build effective relationships and networks within the organisation and externally Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and under own initiative Desirable criteria: Demonstrable knowledge of collections at The National Archives Project management skills, including some experience of developing and delivering academic events and/or programmes. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy. Benefits Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave entitlement of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum. Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ ( opens in new window) Reasonable adjustments If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact The National Archives via careersnationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks (opens in new window) Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. (opens in new window) The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. (opens in new window) Contact point for applicants: Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team Email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact The National Archives via email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/ (opens in new window)