Investigating Colonial Port Development through the Lloyd’s Register Archive

https://www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/colonial-port-development

Be part of an exciting new research project uncovering the hidden stories of colonial ports in Australia and Pakistan and help bring maritime history to life for future generations.

One paid position and lots of volunteer roles available. See below for more details.

Investigating Colonial Port Development through the Lloyd’s Register Archive is a unique international collaboration exploring how ports shaped trade, migration, communities, and everyday life across the colonial world. Using the world-renowned Lloyd’s Register Archive, volunteer researchers will investigate historic harbour infrastructure, ship movements, cargoes, and the people who worked and travelled through these ports.

Whether you are an aspiring researcher, heritage enthusiast, student, or citizen scientist, this project offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in maritime archaeological research while contributing to ground-breaking international heritage work.

Participants will receive for free:

  • Online training in maritime archaeological and archival research
  • Access to digitised historical records and research materials
  • Mentorship from international heritage professionals
  • Opportunities to collaborate across Australia, Pakistan, and the UK
  • Experience contributing to real-world historical investigations

The project is a collaboration of the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology and MaritimEA Research, with support from the Nautical Archaeology Society and funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

While most of the research will take place online, there will be a group of UK-based volunteers working directly with the Lloyd’s Register Archive in London, helping uncover and contextualise materials that are often difficult to access internationally.

This one-year feasibility study aims to lay the groundwork for future citizen-science fieldwork, wider public interpretation projects, and new approaches to sharing maritime heritage with local communities around the world.


HOW TO GET INVOLVED – Paid Administrator and Coordinator

We are looking for an independent contractor to provide coordination and research support services for the Colonial Port Development Archive Project. This person should:

  • be based in Australia
  • have access to a computer, the internet and have reasonable online skills
  • be curious about history, archives, or maritime culture

See the position description for more details.

To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to education@nauticalarchaeologysociety.org by 20 June 2026.


HOW TO GET INVOLVED – Volunteers

We welcome volunteer participants who:

  • are based in Australia, Pakistan and the UK
  • have access to a computer, the internet and have reasonable online skills
  • are curious about history, archives, or maritime culture
  • are able to commit to about ten days of online research over 12-months of participation (flexible schedule)

No experience is needed! You don’t need prior archive skills or knowledge of colonial port history — just an interest in learning.

To express your interest in being a volunteer, send an email to education@nauticalarchaeologysociety.org with a short paragraph about why you’d like to be part of this project by 20 July 2026.

Historian

Training, Research, and Policy United States  D.C. Metro, District Of Columbia  Omaha, Nebraska

https://jobs.jobvite.com/snainternational/job/on27zfwP

Description

SNA International, the Global Leader in Forensics, Biometrics, and Identity Intelligence, is currently looking for detailed-oriented Historians with a strong work ethic to support the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) mission to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing US service members from past conflicts.   

Qualified candidates will conduct comprehensive historical research and archival tasking in support of the DPAA’s Indo-Pacific (IP) Directorate and work DPAA projects associated with WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam.

** Qualified candidates will work remotely in the DC Metro area or Omaha, Nebraska, but may be required to meet with members of their team occasionally in one of these locations.

Critical Work Responsibilities may include but not limited to:  

  • Perform complex historical research into locating and identifying missing service members from World War II, Korean War or the Vietnam War.    
  • Write historical reports, documentary research, interpreting oral histories, secondary source readings, geographically bounded studies, case narratives, reports of findings, and briefings to Agency leadership. 
  • Conduct research and analysis for cases that leads to comprehensive and accurate case development and investigations and case narratives.
  • Conduct archival research and collect archival materials as needed.
  • Build and develop recommendations to disinter unidentified remains from past conflicts, with the goal of pursuing all avenues towards exhumation and identification.
  • Assists with communications with foreign representatives/embassies and casualty/mortuary offices.  
  • Update, refine, and enhance the DPAA’s Case Management Data and visualization tools.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  

  • 5 years of professional historical research experience (includes educational experience)  
  • Master’s degree in history or related field with a strong understanding of US Military History, History of Science and/or World War II, Korean War and/or the Vietnam War.    
  • Specialist knowledge of the Indo-Pacific Theater (working toward PhD preferred) 
  • Possess a broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of historical research and analysis as gained through graduate education in history and relevant job experience. 
  • Possess the ability to conduct research on a diverse array of cases with scattered and scant source material. 
  • Possess the ability to apply flexible approaches and versatility to conducting research. 
  • Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills evidenced by publication and conference presentation record. 
  • Possess ability to provide written products quickly and in formats tailored for varied audiences. 
  • Demonstrated history of writing for a wide, non-specialist audience. 
  • Knowledge of professional writing styles based on professional experience. 
  • Demonstrated experience with archival research. 
  • Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with excellent time management skills 
  • Able to work well independently as well as in a team environment. 
  • Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills. 
  • Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

  • Possess a broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of historical research and analysis as gained through graduate education in history and relevant job experience. 
  • Ability to conduct research on a diverse array of cases with scattered and scant source material. 
  • Ability to apply flexible approaches and versatility to conducting research. 
  • Knowledge of professional writing styles based on experience. 
  • Exceptional abilities in oral and written communication, and the ability to provide written products quickly and in formats tailored for varied audiences. 
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel). 
  • A demonstrated history of initiative and achievement. 
  • A demonstrated history of working independently with client staff. 
  • Experience working independently with minimal direction or supervision. 
  • Experience supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills. 
  • Experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities. 

Physical Requirements:  

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • This work is primarily sedentary, although some physical effort may be required, particularly if traveling to assist with field investigations. 
  • Office work may include the transfer of archival boxes. 
  • Individuals must be capable of working under high stress and pressure of short deadlines. 

 
Please submita cover letter along with your CV. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered. 
 
SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.  

Naval Archivist

Vox Optima is seeking a Naval Archivist to support a client in the Hampton Roads area. This is a new position, and the individual will be responsible for performing an initial inventory and identiifying what objects and materials are to be kept and which can be downsized.

Responsibilities

  1. The Archivist shall shall establish and document a comprehensive digital inventory and cataloging system using the government-furnished Axiell Collections software and/or other software.
  2. The Archivist shall shall develop and implement a plan for the systematic inventory and processing of all historical materials, starting from a near-zero baseline. This includes, but is not limited to, artifacts, photographs, graphics, video, books, magazines, artwork, and documents dating from the organization’s founding to the present day.
  3. The Archivist shall be responsible for the ongoing accessioning and cataloging of new materials acquired by the shipyard, ensuring the archival system remains current.
  4. Responsibilities are defined in accordance with standards set by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

Qualifications and Skills

A.  Must possess a comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of professional archival principles, theories, and practices, particularly in arrangement, description, and collections management.

B.   Demonstrated experience in museum or archival cataloging and registration methods, adhering to industry standards.

C.   Proficiency in handling, examining, and identifying a wide variety of historical materials.

D.  High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams).

E.   Experience with digital photography of artifacts for collections management purposes.

F.   Familiarity with the Axiell Collections management software is a plus, but not required. The contractor must be able to gain proficiency in the system, with training provided if necessary.

G.  Ability to work independently and manage complex projects with firm deadlines.

H.  Excellent written and oral communication skills for preparing reports and collaborating with stakeholders.

I.   Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, in particular Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Bridge.


Requirements added by the job poster

• Authorized to work in the United States

https://www.voxoptima.com/careers

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4409710255/