Alcohol Ltd is seeking a Master's or PhD level researcher to carry out focused source research using the British Library in the UK. This is a contract for services, not employment. Work is payable per hour at £25 per hour.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, review, and verify British Library source material relevant to UK alcohol policy, regulation, trade, licensing, taxation, and industry history.
- Produce concise source notes, bibliographic references, and evidence summaries suitable for internal policy research and public-facing briefings.
- Flag source limitations, provenance issues, and areas where additional primary-source verification is required.
- Work independently on defined research questions and provide clear hourly records for completed research activity.
Essential Requirements
- Master's or PhD level research capability in history, law, economics, public policy, political science, social science, library studies, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrable experience using the British Library, specialist archives, or comparable primary-source research environments.
- Strong source evaluation, citation, and written synthesis skills.
- Ability to work on a contract-for-services basis. This role is not employment and does not create an employment relationship with Alcohol Ltd.
- Right to provide services in the United Kingdom.
Desirable
- Experience researching alcohol policy, public health policy, trade policy, taxation, licensing, or regulated industries.
- Familiarity with British Library catalogues, reading room processes, and archival handling requirements.
- Experience converting archive or library findings into policy-ready evidence notes.
What We Offer
- £25 per hour, payable for agreed research hours.
- Defined research briefs with clear expected outputs.
- Flexible contract scheduling subject to British Library access and project deadlines.
Applications: Rolling – applications reviewed on receipt
How to Apply
Send your CV and a short note outlining your Master's or PhD level research experience, British Library or archive research experience, and availability to alc-2026-bl-sr.careers@alcohol.uk.
alc-2026-bl-sr.careers@alcohol.ukAlcohol Ltd is a Disability Confident Committed employer. We are committed to inclusive recruitment, retention, and development of disabled people.
Guaranteed Interview
If you declare a disability and meet the minimum criteria for this role, you will be offered an interview. Please indicate in your application if you wish to apply under the Disability Confident scheme.
Reasonable Adjustments
We will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process. Please contact us at careers@alcohol.uk at any point if you need adjustments to attend an interview or complete any part of the application.
Accessible Formats
If you require this job description or any recruitment material in an accessible format (for example, large print or audio), please email careers@alcohol.uk and we will provide it promptly.
Equal Opportunities
Alcohol Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Data Protection Notice
The personal data you submit in your application will be processed by Alcohol Ltd (Company No. 04854930) solely for the purpose of recruitment. Your data will be retained for six months from the closing date of this vacancy and then securely deleted, unless you consent to being considered for future roles. You have the right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data at any time by contacting careers@alcohol.uk. For full details, see our Privacy Policy at alcohol.co.uk/privacy-policy. Alcohol Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (Ref: ZC093590).