Post-Doctoral Research Associate - LSTM Decolonial History Project

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Duration: Full-time, fixed-term for 24 months

LSTM is a truly unique institution. As the first school of tropical medicine in the world, founded in 1898, it has a long and complex history. That history includes proud moments—such as hosting the first Nobel Prize for medicine—as well as more difficult and uncomfortable legacies. LSTM was established in response to a call from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Joseph Chamberlain, to reduce mortality among colonial officers and Liverpool’s mercantile class. Its founding donation was made by Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, a shipping magnate whose wealth came from exploitative trade with African nations and links to colonial enterprise.

Following our February 2022 Race Review and our Race Equity Action Plan, LSTM committed to becoming an actively anti-racist organisation. In 2023, as part of this commitment, we commissioned this project to critically examine the first 25 years of our history through a decolonial and reparative lens. The research team, led by a Senior Historian, will be supported by an external advisory panel comprising academic and non-academic experts—particularly from racially minoritised backgrounds and communities affected by colonialism and slavery.

LSTM particularly welcomes applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates who are descendants of, or have been affected by, legacies of colonialism or slavery.

LSTM Archives

LSTM’s archive, spanning over 400 boxes, 100 volumes, and a large historical book collection, holds critical documents related to its colonial and financial history. A significant portion will return from the University of Liverpool in 2025, following a major archive project. This rich and largely untapped resource includes material linked to figures such as Alfred Lewis Jones and King Leopold II, expedition records, teaching artefacts, and portraits—offering a unique opportunity to shape historical understanding and accountability at a pivotal moment.

Key responsibilities:

Historical Research and Analysis

• Conduct original research on race, health, empire, and decolonisation in the context of tropical medicine
• Engage with institutional and external archives, including uncatalogued records and artefacts
• Produce an independent, high-quality report that informs LSTM’s future history and heritage strategy
• Ensure all research complies with ethical standards and LSTM data policies

Engagement and Dissemination

• Present findings in formats accessible to academic and non-academic audiences
• Contribute to co-authored publications and knowledge exchange with LSTM colleagues
• Engage equitably with communities in West Africa and the UK affected by colonialism
• Participate in public engagement to contribute to national and global conversations

Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Collaborate with the Academic Lead, Information Services Team, and advisory panel
• Contribute to the development of decolonial approaches to the LSTM archives
• Attend and contribute to regular stakeholder meetings and governance processes
• Help formulate decolonial and restorative recommendations for institutional strategy

You will possess:

• A PhD in history or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience
• Experience accessing and working with archival materials and historical records
• Strong skills in qualitative research methods and critical historical analysis
• A clear commitment to equity, anti-racism, and socially impactful research
• Excellent communication and project management skills
• A track record or demonstrable potential for publication and engagement

Expiry date:17:00, Fri, 5th Sep 2025