The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to support the delivery of a two-year, independent academic research project to develop a rigorous, decolonial, and transparent account of the institution’s early history. Reporting to the Senior Historian, the successful candidate will play a central role in producing a major public-facing historical report and contribute to broader institutional learning and strategy.
About LSTM
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 will include:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Manage time and deliverables in line with project milestones and consultation needs
- Allocate sufficient time for external archive visits and engagement activities
- Uphold safeguarding and ethical research practices
- Champion equity, inclusion, and anti-racism across all aspects of the project
The successful candidate 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
In Return We Offer:
- 30 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure days
- Generous occupational pension schemes
- Government-backed "cycle to work" scheme
- Discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
- A range of additional family-friendly policies
Application Process:
To apply, please upload your CV and a covering letter via the apply link. Given the volume of applications, we may close vacancies early, so we encourage early applications.
Inclusion is Central to Our Values at LSTM
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith, social background, age, or disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience. We welcome applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements or returning to employment after a career break.
