Alasdair Gray and Edwin Morgan were close friends with much of their work connecting through themes of sexuality and love, spanning both the visual and the literary. Evidence of how they supported and shaped each other’s work is clear in the archival material left behind. However, little has been done to map these connections more formally.

The Alasdair Gray Archive and The Edwin Morgan Trust are looking for a post-graduate or early career researcher to create a multimedia portfolio of work that maps and examines cross-overs and connections in the lives, work and practices of Gray and Morgan. Particular themes may guide the research – e.g. the writer and the city; non-conformity / alternative ways of being; queer archives; literary and visual thresholds – but the selected candidate will be encouraged to explore their own areas of interest during their research.

There will be an opportunity for peer-to-peer support and knowledge exchange across AGA, EMT and our wider networks from which the selected researcher can draw. The final portfolio of work will be used to inform a future Creative Commission responding to Gray and Morgan (details of this call-out to be announced in early 2025). The ideal candidate will have experience in:

– conducting interdisciplinary research
– developing and delivering research in accessible and non-traditional ways
– organising public engagement events
– working with archives and partner organisations
– a specific knowledge of Gray or Morgan and their work

As the role will involve some in-person research across different archives in Glasgow and Edinburgh, applicants should ideally be based in central Scotland.

Details:
Research period: 2 days per week for 3 months (flexible start date)
Fee: £25 per hour plus travel & additional tie up time on completion of the project
Apply: please send a cover letter outlining how you would approach this project under the above expertise criteria, a short sample of an innovative use of your research and CV to Pip Osmond-Williams at admin@edwinmorgantrust.com

Deadline: 27.09.24 with interviews to take place on 10.10.24

Shortlisted candidates with be interviewed by Sorcha Dallas (Custodian of The Alasdair Gray Archive), Dr Pip Osmond-Williams (The Edwin Morgan Trust) and Prof. Claire Squires (Director of Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities)