Collections Researcher (Transatlantic Slavery)

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment until 31^st December 2027

Closing date: Sunday 30th March 2025 at midnight 

The National Archives 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:

The National Archives (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. 

For more information and to apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button on this page