Researcher

We are seeking a Researcher or Assistant Researcher to join our Oxford Heritage Consultancy Team.

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Researcher or Assistant Researcher to join our Heritage Consultancy team, supporting projects across Oxford, Birmingham and the South. The role would involve carrying out researching sites and buildings, and writing elements of the reports we produce, as well as assisting other members of the team. We use the research to support our advice to clients, and ultimately to propose change to the historic environment, and therefore historic research is a critical component of what we do.

The team comprises architects, designers, architectural historians and former conservation officers and Historic England inspectors who work alongside a client’s chosen architect to analyse what is special about a building or place, guide alterations, and support clients through the planning process. Our overarching aim is to use our understanding of the past to revitalise historic buildings and, where appropriate, to guide new interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• To work successfully as part of the wider heritage consultancy team to jointly produce written work and other advice as

• To undertake original desk and archive- based research into the provenance and development of historic sites and buildings, their occupants, and their architects.

• To assist with visual site surveys, compile descriptions of historic sites and buildings and assess their significance.

• To photograph such sites and store the images.

• To assimilate all research undertaken into expert, well-written historic building reports.

• To develop a good understanding of the Practice, its philosophy, members, areas of expertise, clients, and competitors.

• Any other reasonable duties that arise from the nature and character of the post, as requested by the line manager or other designated team members.

• Please note: In order to undertake all aspects of the role, the post holder will sometimes be required to visit a number of external sites, which may require climbing ladders and traversing uneven surfaces.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Sound knowledge and understanding of all periods of British architectural history, likely to be supported by an appropriate qualification (e.g. a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural History, Art History or History supported by a Post Graduate certificate/diploma in Building Conservation or Architectural History for example). A commitment to continuously expanding this understanding through professional development.

• Excellent research

• A demonstrable passion for the historic environment, and the ability to communicate this to non–experts in an accessible

• Excellent writing skills, and the ability to confidently draw together information gained from a variety of sources and distill this into succinct and accurate text which is a delight to read.

• Self-sufficiency, flexibility, and adaptability: to be able to understand the link between time, client requirements and profit, and respond positively and proactively to changes to schedule or requirements in order to work effectively in a client-driven environment.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and liaise with other team members at DIA, as required, and to act as a credible ambassador for the Practice in all that we do.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a relevant

• Familiarity with the roles of stakeholders in the heritage sector, such as local authorities, Historic England, and national and local amenity groups.

• Membership of appropriate bodies, e.g. IHBC, ARB, IfA and/or RTPI memberships.

Please note: we regret we are unable to consider applications for this role from candidates who will require sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa now or in
the future.