I am delighted to be able to share the following opportunity for early career scholars in Trans Geographies and adjacent disciplines.

At Durham University, we aim to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ+ and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the named contact below if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role or of your application.

The full job ad is available here.

Many Thanks,
Sage Brice


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Applications are invited for a part-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the research project Everyday Practices of Trans-individuality: viral ecologies of isolation and exposure during the Covid-19 pandemic (EPTI). The project, led by Dr Sage Brice, examines everyday practices of gender under the pandemic conditions of Covid-19 and asks how they might reflect bigger social questions about the nature of identity and subjectivity. The research uses creative and collaborative methods, working online with a small group of trans and nonbinary people to develop a graphic narrative output.

As the project involves working in a trans-focused ‘safer space’, the applicant should have experience of working with trans and nonbinary people in a relevant context (professional or voluntary). We welcome candidates from any disciplinary background with expertise in any one, or multiple, of the following research areas: queer, trans, and/or gender studies; environmental studies; participatory research; creative research methods. Those with interdisciplinary backgrounds, unconventional professional pathways, and experience of transdisciplinary collaboration will be particularly well suited to the post.

The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with the PI to support core aims and objectives of the EPTI project. Their work time will be divided equally between developing their own related research and assisting in the delivery of the following project objectives: co-hosting and facilitating creative workshops and ongoing consultation with trans and nonbinary research participants; co-ordinating and editing a journal special issue; convening a mini conference on the theme of Trans Ecologies, and contributing to the overall research profile of the EPTI project.
 
Responsibilities: 

• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: academic and non-academic audiences.

• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.

• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.

• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.

• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.

• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.

• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.

• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.

• To engage in continuing professional development by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.   

• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

• To co-facilitate creative participatory workshops and maintain ongoing correspondence and consultation with trans and nonbinary participants in a respectful and supportive manner.

• To participate in evaluation, organisation, and correspondence related to curation of a journal special issue and a mini conference

• Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post, as required.
This post is fixed term for a period of 23 months at up to 0.5 FTE and must be completed by 21 February 2025. The funding is available from 01/12/22 for this fixed period only.
The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st February 2023

How to Apply
For informal enquiries please contact Sage Brice by e-mail at sage.brice@durham.ac.uk.  All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. 
We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/. As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seek an employment reference.

What to Submit

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• A CV

• Covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above.

• Completion of the questionnaire
Next Steps

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and assessment. The assessment for the post will include the candidate being asked to give a short presentation on their previous research followed by a panel interview.

The Requirements

Essential:

• Qualifications

• A good first degree in Human Geography or a related subject
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Human Geography or a related subject, or equivalent research experience.

• Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research. 
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national  or international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience of working with trans and nonbinary people in an academic, community, and/or activist capacity (this includes voluntary or informal experience).
• Demonstrable understanding of the social and political factors relevant to trans and nonbinary people in their everyday lives.
• Specialist knowledge in at least one of the following areas: queer, trans, and/or gender studies, environmental studies, participatory research, and/or creative research methods.
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrable ability to host inclusive spaces for groups or individuals with experience of intersecting marginalisations

Desirable:

Please note, candidates are not expected to meet all of the desirable criteria

Experience

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience of organising and convening conferences, symposia or seminars.
• Experience of developing an independent creative practice and/or of working with creative research methods
• Experience of curating or producing exhibitions or publications in a creative industry
• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. 
• Competence with graphic editing software including Adobe Photoshop and InDesign