Are you a doctoral researcher in the field of British art and architecture? Would you like the opportunity to foster a supportive peer-to-peer network, establishing connections and developing skills among emerging British art scholars? Paul Mellon Centre is looking to appoint two energetic, resourceful and collegiate doctoral students to lead its Doctoral Researchers Network in 2024–25.

Background
Paul Mellon Centre (PMC) is an educational charity that champions new ways of understanding British art history and culture. Through all areas of our work we promote activities that enhance and expand knowledge of British art and architecture. We believe the inclusion of voices, narratives and experiences that have been marginalised or excluded in the past will have a transformational impact on the future of the Centre and upon British art studies in a broader sense. Reflecting these commitments, the Centre supports two Networks, the Early Career Researchers Network (ECRN) and the Doctoral Researchers Network (DRN) which, together with British Art Network (BAN) co-organised with Tate, aim to foster an inclusive sense of community in the field of British art studies and stimulate new research and thinking.
The DRN provides a support system for students in British art and architecture as they embark on a key element of their academic careers. Members are expected to be currently registered for doctoral research and be based in the UK.

Project Commission
This one-year commission will see two co-convenors collaborating to put together an original and stimulating series of events and activities which focus on sharing research, skills and training for the Network in 2024–25, and co-organising a symposium with the Convenor of the ECRN. The two successful applicants will work closely with PMC’s Networks Manager, Bryony Botwright-Rance, and with the Convenor of PMC’s partner network, the ECRN.

Fee: £2,000, plus agreed expenses for travel and overnight accommodation for DRN events.
Duration: July 2024 – August 2025.

Project Commitment: The fee is based on an expectation that the co-convenors will deliver a programme of research and skills-based events for the Network, working within the allocated budget, plus attendance at DRN activities and events.

Location: Applicants can be based anywhere in the UK. You must be willing to travel to attend in-person DRN events.
Closing Date: 10am BST on Tuesday 11 June 2024.
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 24 June 2024, online.
Type of Employment: Freelance role.

Application Process
Please apply using our web application form available via our website: https://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/about/freelance-doctoral-researchers-network-co-convenor-1232

If you have any issues applying, or have any queries about the web application form, please contact the HR team at recruitmentpaul-mellon-centre.ac.uk

Co-convenor Responsibilities
Working together, the co-convenors will:
- maintain the Network as a thriving platform for sharing research, peer-to-peer learning and developing a range of relevant skills
- develop a varied and responsive programme of training events and activities to sit alongside PMC’s academic programme
- ensure that the DRN programme is accessible and reflects PMC’s stated commitments around equality, diversity and inclusion (set out here)
- agree a programme, budget and timeline with the Networks Manager
- attend all DRN events and, with the support of the PMC team, manage the events online or onsite
- prepare promotional material and publicity for PMC’s website, including image selection, copyright clearance and copy
- identify and develop opportunities to collaborate across PMC Networks, which will include the ECRN, DRN and BAN
- liaise between the PMC Networks team and members to reimburse the latter for travel to Network events
- endeavour to enhance the visibility and scholarly profile of the Network
- ensure working practices are GDPR compliant in line with PMC’s policies (see here); GDPR training will be provided

Person Specification

Essential
The candidate should:
- be studying for a PhD on a British art-related topic of any period (including the fields of fine art/architecture/visual culture/film and media)
- have the ability to self-motivate, think creatively and work responsively
- be prepared to work collaboratively
- have knowledge of current debates in doctoral research, and of wider intellectual issues shaping the field of art history
- understand and be ready to implement organisational commitments in the areas of equity, access, diversity and inclusion

Desirable
Preferably, the candidate should have:
- practical experience of working collaboratively
- demonstrable experience in organising events
- experience in managing the administration of a project
- experience in creating accessible and inclusive events and/or training programmes