Research Fellow in Reparative Studies of Education

The project involves collaborating with primary school-communities in the city of Bristol to design and conduct in-depth ethnographic and oral-history research on the features and mechanisms of structural inequities in education. The project will use its empirical findings to facilitate dialogues with stakeholders (schools, their communities, policy-actors and the broader public) to explore how reparative justice in education might be conceptualised and enacted. It is motivated by the overarching question: what does reparation in education look like?

The role would suit researchers with a strong background in education and in the disciplines of sociology, history, anthropology, or human geography. The project is particularly looking for candidates with experience in one or more of the following methodological areas: ethnographic research; participatory methodologies; community-based research and facilitation; oral history; participatory and/or digital archival methods. There is significant opportunity for the post-holders to creatively shape the research and to collaboratively develop new theoretical and methodological approaches.

The post-holder will join a supportive team dedicated to collaboration and mentorship, with significant opportunities for training and career development. A commitment to tackling educational injustices in Bristol and beyond will drive our work together.
The post-holder will be part of the Oxford University Department of Education and will be able to participate in the vibrant academic life of the University. The research involves spending extensive time in Bristol, allowing post-holders to be located there if preferred. The project will therefore support flexible working arrangements between Bristol and Oxford in negotiation with the successful applicants.