I am Dr David Heffernan, a historian and writer dedicated to turning complex historical research into accessible and engaging narratives. Over a decade I have combined academic work with freelance research, editing, and publishing for universities, publishers, and heritage organisations, delivering accurate, clear, and well-structured content while meeting tight deadlines. I work across education, publishing, and archival research, collaborating with clients across the UK, Ireland, the US, and beyond. I value curiosity, meticulousness, and clear communication, and I enjoy helping others bring long-term projects to successful completion.…

David Heffernan

I am Dr David Heffernan, a historian and writer dedicated to turning complex historical research into accessible and engaging narratives. Over a decade I have combined academic work with freelance research, editing, and publishing for universities, publishers, and heritage organisations, delivering accurate, clear, and well-structured content while meeting tight deadlines. I work across education, publishing, and archival research, collaborating with clients across the UK, Ireland, the US, and beyond. I value curiosity, meticulousness, and clear communication, and I enjoy helping others bring long-term projects to successful completion.…

Available to hire

I am Dr David Heffernan, a historian and writer dedicated to turning complex historical research into accessible and engaging narratives. Over a decade I have combined academic work with freelance research, editing, and publishing for universities, publishers, and heritage organisations, delivering accurate, clear, and well-structured content while meeting tight deadlines.

I work across education, publishing, and archival research, collaborating with clients across the UK, Ireland, the US, and beyond. I value curiosity, meticulousness, and clear communication, and I enjoy helping others bring long-term projects to successful completion.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Historian/Editor/Researcher/Writer and Independent Scholar at Self-employed
September 1, 2022 - Present
Full-time freelance historian, editor, researcher and writer. Engaged with private clients and government projects, produced historical indexes, conducted archival research, edited manuscripts, and advised on research strategy. Experience with NDAs and handling sensitive information; collaboration with clients across the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
Lecturer at University of Galway
September 1, 2021 - August 31, 2022
Sole lecturer and course co-ordinator on multiple modules; taught hundreds of history students; set assessments, marked work, and provided detailed feedback; coordinated with colleagues to deliver programme content.
Lecturer at University College Cork
January 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Lectures on history topics; responsibilities included course design, delivery and assessment coordination during the spring term.
Freelance Historian/Editor/Researcher/Writer and Independent Scholar at Self-employed
July 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020
Freelance period building client base, producing historical content, and delivering research support for a range of private and public sector clients.
Lecturer at University College Cork
January 1, 2019 - June 30, 2019
Teaching responsibilities similar to other lecturing posts, including course delivery, assessment, and student feedback.
Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast
September 1, 2017 - August 30, 2018
Occasional lecturer in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics during the early years of the tenure.
R.J. Hunter Postdoctoral Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast
November 1, 2016 - October 31, 2018
Postdoctoral fellowship focusing on ‘theory and practice’ in the Ulster Plantation; based at Queen’s University Belfast; involved in data-driven historical analysis drawing on thousands of manuscripts.
Independent Scholar/Occasional Lecturer at Self-employed
October 1, 2013 - October 31, 2016
Independent scholarly work; converting doctoral research into books and articles; occasional teaching at University College Cork.
Research Assistant on ‘Digital Boyle’ Project at University College Cork
July 7, 2014 - August 31, 2014
Worked on a digital, interactive display project exploring the life and world of Richard Boyle, first earl of Cork; produced historical content for display at historic sites.
Postdoctoral Researcher on ‘The Colonial Landscapes of Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork’ Project at University College Cork
October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2013
Lead researcher on the historical side; constructed a large dataset from hundreds of manuscripts for a multi-researcher team; Irish Research Council-funded project.
Manuscript Editor at Irish Manuscripts Commission
June 19, 2012 - July 20, 2012
Proofing manuscript transcriptions on a series of over 600 maps of Ireland dating to the 16th and early 17th centuries.
Tutor at University College Cork
October 1, 2009 - September 30, 2012
Tutored second-year history undergraduates; focused on writing skills, referencing, research skills; involved in setting assessments and marking.
Researcher at Seanchas Research
February 1, 2008 - December 19, 2008
Edited and proofed text; contributed to mapping of place-name heritage in Cork and Kerry.

Education

PhD at University College Cork, Ireland
October 1, 2007 - September 30, 2012
BA (History and Classics) at University College Cork, Ireland
October 1, 2004 - September 30, 2007

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level