Research Associate in the Department of English Language & Literature

King’s College London (KCL) is seeking to appoint a part-time (50%) Postdoctoral Research Associate for six months to work on an AHRC-funded grant entitled: “Stories from Rwanda: Agency, Editing and New Audiences”. This project looks at the importance of survivor leadership and editorial control in the circulation of genocide testimony. Working with the Ishami Foundation (UK & Rwanda), Huza Press (Rwanda) and Hampton School (UK), we are supporting creative dissemination of survivor narratives in Rwanda, and the development of new curriculum resources and guidelines for working with survivors in the UK. The project runs from March to December 2023.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and/or genocide education to work on the schools project and guidelines for NGOs. You are likely to have a PhD relating to Rwanda (History, Literature/Culture, Anthropology, Law) and/or genocide education and will also ideally have experience working with genocide survivors, secondary school pupils and teachers. The postholder will project manage the UK elements of the grant: the development of curriculum and guidelines for schools and NGOs. The role will involve planning, networking, consensus building and writing for key non-academic audiences, alongside management of logistics.

The postholder will be mentored by Dr Zoe Norridge and will be based across the departments of English and Languages, Literatures and Cultures. You will develop skills in Impact and Knowledge Exchange and have access to training and library resources offered by King’s College London. There is some flexibility in start and end dates and the spacing of work across the six-month period (April – September 2023). The workshop must take place during the summer term for UK schools. Remote working is possible for much of the fellowship but you will be required to attend meetings in central London.

The Arts & Humanities Faculty is committed to building an equitable and diverse academic environment. We particularly welcome applicants from underrepresented communities.

This post will be offered on part-time (50% FTE), fixed term contract for 6 months from April 2023.

The postdoctoral researcher will work across the UK education and NGO streams of activities. Work will include: 

• Mapping existing resources for teaching genocides after the Holocaust, through desk research and meetings with partners and their networks.
• Collaborating with colleagues to look at how the 100 Stories collection of personal experiences of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda could be used in schools.
• Convening meetings and a workshop to explore stakeholder needs, collaborative writing strategies and efficacy of draft materials as they are produced.
• Interviewing genocide survivors and people who work with genocide survivors about their experiences sharing personal testimony.
• Managing the writing, consultation and production process for the teacher and NGO guidelines.
• Assisting with administration relating to the grant, including budgeting and reporting.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Essential criteria

1.       A submitted PhD and publications on a topic relating to genocide or mass violence in a relevant field (likely to include Literature, History, Education, Law, Anthropology – interdisciplinary approaches are particularly welcome).

2.       Experience working with schools or other educational organisations in a voluntary or professional capacity.

3.       Experience managing projects, including skills in establishing timelines, monitoring and evaluation, growing networks, building consensus and delivering work involving multiple stakeholders.

4.       Experience writing for non-academic audiences (including ideally teachers and NGOs).

5.      Ability to work independently and execute delegated tasks to a high standard to agreed deadlines.

6.      Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Desirable criteria 

1.       A research specialism in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

2.       A track record working in genocide education in schools or with educational NGOs.

3.       Experience with qualitative research methods.

4.       Experience facilitating workshops.

5.       Understanding of Impact in Higher Education.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Applications should include the following information:  

• A cover letter that includes reasons for applying, relevant skills, and ideas for the position (no more than 1,000 words). 
• A full academic CV, including a list of publications and details of experience working with schools or other educational forums. 
• One academic writing sample (no more than 10,000 words). 
• One sample of writing for non-academic audiences (500-2,000 words, does not need to have been published). 
• The names and contact details of two referees who may be approached by the selection committee. 

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Clearance.