We are recruiting a post-doctoral researcher to join the AHRC-funded History of Whitehall research project being run jointly by King’s College London and the Institute for Government.The partnership will see the post holder based at the Institute for Government for the duration of the project but employed and supported by King’s, reflecting the shared outputs, events and benefits for both Institutions.

The post holder will be required to undertake a variety of tasks on the History of Whitehall research, including literature reviews; assisting the development of research methods; archival research; quantitative research; undertaking semi-structured interviews with current and former politicians, civil servants and other key witnesses. The post holder will also be required to undertake significant impact work disseminating findings throughout the life of the project and engage with related Institute for Government and King’s College work. The post holder will conduct individual and collaborative research within the overall aims of the project, including significant opportunities for academic and other publications and engagement with government. The post holder ideally will have a good understanding of public policy, excellent research skills and experience of disseminating research findings through innovative methods.

The researcher will be an important member of the History of Whitehall research team and will support the development of the project’s plan and achievement of its outcomes. Firstly, the successful candidate will work on currently planned research components and engagement, supporting the co-investigator. Secondly, they will help scope, plan and undertake individual or collaborative research, dissemination and impact on particular components of the research plan, depending on their skills, experience and interests:

• Semi-structured interviews with a range of participants;
• Literature reviews and analysis and other desk research;
• Archival research;
• Quantitative analysis of Whitehall statistical information.

Thirdly, they will play an important part in developing innovative research dissemination to ensure impact through the life of the project. The researcher will contribute to report writing, preparation of academic and other journal articles. They will support the running of the Advisory Group.

The appointment will be made at Grade 6, currently £31,331 to £34,223 per annum, plus £2,323 per annum London Allowance. The post is offered full-time for two years.