Are you a researcher hoping to establish a career in the field of British art and architecture? Would you like the opportunity to foster a supportive peer-to-peer network and help shape the future of British art studies?
Paul Mellon Centre is looking to appoint an energetic, resourceful and collegiate early career professional to lead its successful Early Career 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.
Broadly speaking, the ECRN is aimed at scholars who generally are within five years of receiving their doctorate or have the equivalent level of research experience, and who may not enjoy the institutional support and built-in communities afforded to postgraduates and PhD candidates.

Project Commission
This one-year commission involves putting 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 to co-organise a symposium with the co-convenors of the DRN. The successful applicant will work closely with PMC’s Networks Manager, Bryony Botwright-Rance, and with the co-convenors of PMC’s partner network, the DRN.

Fee: £3,000, plus agreed expenses for travel and overnight accommodation for ECRN events.
Duration: July 2024 – August 2025.

Expected Project Commitment: The fee is based on an expectation that the Convenor will deliver programme of research and skills-based events for the Network, plus attendance at ECRN activities and events. Applicants in employment are encouraged to secure a letter of support indicating that their employer will consider the time commitment involved as part of their work for the organisation.

Location: Applicants can be based anywhere in the UK.
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 on our website: https://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/about/freelance-early-career-researchers-network-convenor

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

Convenor Responsibilities
The Convenor will:
- maintain the Network as a thriving platform for sharing research, learning about best professional practice and developing a range of relevant professional skills
- develop a varied and responsive programme of training events and activities to sit alongside PMC’s academic programme, working within the allocated budget
- ensure that the ECRN programme is accessible and reflects PMC’s stated commitments about equality, diversity and inclusion (set out here)
- agree a programme and timeline with the Networks Manager
. attend all ECRN 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 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

Person Specification

Essential
The candidate should:
- have either completed a PhD on a British art-related topic within the last five years or have comparable academic research experience
- be active in research in the field of British art history, broadly understood
- have the ability to self-motivate, think creatively and work responsively
- be prepared to work collaboratively
- have knowledge of current debates in art history, 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
- experience in managing the administration of a project
- experience in creating accessible and inclusive events and/or training programmes