About Us

We’re Heriot-Watt University Student Union, an independent charity driven by and for our students, dedicated to making the student experience the best it can be. HWUnion is all about supporting students - whether it’s advocating for them in university meetings, creating a sense of belonging, or empowering them to create change. We champion success, provide support when things don’t go as planned, and always keep our focus on one goal: Students First, Always. 

We also mean business. That’s why all surplus funds from Liberty’s Café, Geordies Bar, and the Student Union Shop go straight back into vital student support services like our Advice Hub, ensuring we can continue to make a positive impact on our community. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

At HWUnion, diversity isn’t just celebrated; it’s our strength. We thrive by bringing together voices from all walks of life, and we’re excited for you to help us champion this mission. At HWUnion, you’ll find more than just a job - you’ll find a community eager to welcome your talents. Let’s do something great together. 

Role Overview

Step into a unique and rewarding role as our Student Union History Researcher, where curiosity meets impact. This fixed-term project role will see you uncover, document, and bring together the rich history of Heriot-Watt University Student Union. From major campaigns to cultural milestones, you’ll help create a clear, engaging narrative that preserves our past and informs our future.

What You’ll Do

Unearth Our Story:
Dive into archives, historic student newspapers, and Union records to uncover key moments, decisions, and voices that have shaped the Students’ Union.

Build a Living Timeline:
Review and develop existing early research into a comprehensive, well-structured history that can later be used for web content, events, and displays.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Discovery:

• Conduct desk-based and in-person archival research using university and local archive collections.
• Identify significant events, campaigns, organisational changes, and notable figures in the Union’s history.

Documentation & Organisation:

• Digitise materials such as photographs, articles, and documents where permitted.
• Organise findings into a clear, accessible timeline and digital archive.
• Maintain accurate records of sources to support future research.

Legacy Building:

• Produce a final written history that is engaging, accurate, and adaptable for multiple uses.
• Highlight gaps in the historical record and recommend next steps for future heritage projects.

Your Superpowers

Curious Researcher:

• You have strong research skills and enjoy working with primary sources and archival material.

Clear Storyteller:

• Your writing is clear, concise, and engaging, helping complex histories come to life.

Organised & Independent:

• You manage your time effectively, pay close attention to detail, and can work independently within a fixed project scope.

Values You’ll Champion

• Accuracy & Integrity: Approach historical research with care, respect, and attention to detail.
• Accessibility: Help ensure the Union’s history is documented in a way that is clear, inclusive, and easy to build upon.
• Collaboration: Work constructively with Union officers and staff to ensure the final output reflects shared understanding and purpose.

Who You Are

• You have strong research and organisational skills, with the ability to work through large volumes of information methodically.
• You’re confident summarising and synthesising information into clear written outputs.
• You have an interest in history, heritage, student representation, or institutional memory.
• Familiarity with the Students’ Union or student-led organisations is a plus, but not essential.

Activities

Principal Duties

• Researching and documenting the history of Heriot-Watt University Student Union.
• Reviewing and building on existing early-stage research and timelines.
• Digitising and organising archival materials.
• Creating a structured, well-referenced written history and source catalogue.

Other Duties

• Any other duties deemed appropriate for the role.
• Comply with all HWUnion policies, procedures, and governing documents.
• Undertake personal and professional development as required to maintain appropriate knowledge and skills.

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. Other duties or a change of duties may be necessary from time to time.

What Next? 

If you have any questions about this role, contact Cameron on union.president@hw.ac.uk

If this sounds like the role for you, click Apply Now to fill in our online application form