Job Summary Table of Historical Criminology

Job Description Summary

An exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow to join a Leverhulme Trust funded project examining the historical intersections of race, crime, and justice in major UK port cities from 1870-1939, working with Professor Lizzie Seal at the University of Sussex.

Responsibilities

• Conduct extensive research using digitized newspapers and genealogical websites to explore historical patterns of race, crime, and justice in London, Liverpool, and Glasgow
• Design, create, and maintain a comprehensive research database of historical cases related to the project focus
• Write content for and regularly update the project website to disseminate research findings
• Collaborate directly with the principal investigator and co-investigator from Lancaster University
• Contribute to academic publications, reports, and presentations related to the research project
• Assist in organizing project-related events and community engagement initiatives
• Apply historical criminology research methodologies to analyze and interpret historical documents

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary range (Grade 7: £38,249 to £45,413 per annum)
• Opportunity to work on a prestigious Leverhulme Trust funded research project
• Access to the University of Sussex’s extensive academic resources and facilities
• Beautiful campus environment adjacent to the South Downs National Park
• Excellent public transport connections with Falmer train station a five-minute walk from campus
• Cycle to work scheme with dedicated cycling paths on campus
• Professional development opportunities within a leading research-intensive university
• Collaborative research environment within a successful and well-established department

Company Overview

The University of Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led international institution located on a beautiful 150-acre campus near Brighton, UK. The university is committed to pushing the boundaries of research and research-led teaching, creating an environment where innovation and academic excellence thrive. Sussex University has a strong track record in research assessment exercises and teaching quality evaluations across its diverse faculties and departments.

Department of Historical Criminology Research

The Department of Sociology and Criminology at Sussex University provides an exceptional environment for historical criminology research. As a Research Fellow in Historical Criminology, you’ll join a thriving academic community dedicated to examining the complex historical intersections of race, crime, and justice systems across major British urban centers.

This prestigious Leverhulme Trust funded project titled “Imagining Race, Crime and Justice in Sailortown, 1870-1939” (RPG-2025-044) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking historical criminology research. Working directly with principal investigator Professor Lizzie Seal, you’ll explore how race shaped criminal justice experiences in London, Liverpool, and Glasgow’s maritime communities during a critical historical period.

Historical Criminology Research Methodology

The research methodology for this historical criminology project will involve rigorous analysis of digitized newspapers and genealogical records, requiring advanced research skills and meticulous attention to detail. You’ll develop a sophisticated database system to catalog and analyze historical cases, enabling pattern identification across different urban contexts.

This research approach combines traditional historical analysis with criminological frameworks to understand how race influenced crime perception, reporting, and justice administration in Britain’s port cities. Through this historical criminology lens, the project aims to reveal important insights about the development of racial attitudes within British criminal justice systems.

Career Growth Opportunities

As a Research Fellow in Historical Criminology at Sussex University, you’ll gain valuable experience working on a high-profile research project with established academics. This position offers excellent career development prospects including:

• Building your academic publication record through research outputs
• Developing specialized expertise in historical criminology methodologies
• Expanding your professional network through collaboration with researchers at multiple institutions
• Enhancing your database design and digital research skills
• Gaining experience in research communication through website content development
• Establishing yourself within the broader historical criminology academic community
• Creating pathways toward future research and academic positions

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Sussex is committed to equality and diversity, actively working to create an inclusive environment where all staff and students can thrive. Applications for this historical criminology research position are particularly welcomed from Black and minority ethnic candidates as part of the university’s commitment to increasing representation across its academic community.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Sussex values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. As an equal opportunities employer, the university is committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

Remote Work Policy

The University of Sussex requires that work undertaken for the university is performed in the UK. This historical criminology research position is based on-site at the Sussex campus in Brighton, though the university does consider flexible working options subject to business needs.

Application Process

1. Review the full position details on the University of Sussex vacancies page
2. Prepare your application documents, including CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience in historical criminology or related fields
3. Submit your application through the university’s online application system
4. If shortlisted, attend an interview to discuss your qualifications and research experience
5. References will be required for final candidates

How to Apply

For complete details and to submit your application, please visit the University of Sussex vacancies page via the link: Apply Here. For informal inquiries about this historical criminology research position, please contact Professor Lizzie Seal at e.c.seal@sussex.ac.uk.

FAQs About This Historical Criminology Research Position

What qualifications are required for this Research Fellow position?
Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as historical criminology, crime history, history of race, or urban history.

What specific research skills are needed?
Experience in designing, creating, and maintaining databases for historical research is essential, along with demonstrated experience conducting historical research.

Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a fixed-term contract position funded by the Leverhulme Trust for the duration of the research project.

Are flexible working arrangements possible?
The university will consider requests for flexible working options, subject to business needs.

What is the work environment like?
You’ll work within the Department of Sociology and Criminology, which performed excellently in recent assessments with research rated 45% ‘world leading’ and 40% ‘internationally excellent’, with 100% of impact case studies assessed as outstanding.

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