Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Kent

Unlocking the Secrets of Early Medieval Communication: A Postdoctoral Research Associate Opportunity

For scholars deeply immersed in the fascinating world of early medieval Britain, this Postdoctoral Research Associate position presents a compelling opportunity to contribute significantly to a vital research project. If your passion lies in uncovering the nuances of Old English and you possess a strong command of Medieval Latin, this 32-month, full-time role within the School of Humanities could be the perfect next step in your academic career.

This exciting project centers on the close analysis of Old English letter-writing from early medieval Britain. You will be instrumental in examining vernacular texts alongside the Latin epistolary corpus, engaging in rigorous data collection, and disseminating your findings as part of a dynamic, multi-person team. This collaborative effort is spearheaded by esteemed academics Dr. Robert Gallagher (University of Kent) and Professor Francesca Tinti (University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU), offering invaluable mentorship and the chance to work alongside leading experts in the field.

Key Responsibilities and Research Focus:

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, your contributions will be central to the project's success. You can expect to be actively involved in:

• Archival Research: Undertaking detailed exploration of manuscripts to identify important letters composed in or sent to Britain during the early medieval period. This offers a direct engagement with primary source materials, a cornerstone of historical research.
• Linguistic and Literary Analysis: Performing in-depth examinations of the linguistic and literary characteristics of Old English epistolary texts. This is an ideal role for those who thrive on detailed textual analysis and have a keen eye for linguistic evolution and literary style.
• Palaeographic Analysis: Delving into the intricacies of early medieval script to analyze extant letters in their original forms. This skill is crucial for understanding the material and visual aspects of historical documents.
• Historical Reconstruction: Reconstructing the historical contexts surrounding epistolary activity in early medieval Britain. This requires synthesizing textual evidence with broader historical knowledge to paint a comprehensive picture of communication networks and social practices.

What You'll Bring to the Role:

To excel in this position, candidates should possess:

• A PhD in Medieval Studies or an equivalent qualification.
• Advanced knowledge of Old English, demonstrating a deep understanding of its grammar, vocabulary, and historical development.
• Demonstrable knowledge of early medieval communication and literary cultures, indicating an awareness of the broader intellectual and social landscape.
• An excellent understanding of the history of early medieval Britain and its neighbouring regions, providing essential context for the research.

What the University Offers:

This role offers more than just an engaging research project. As a member of the team, you will benefit from:

• A friendly, open, and collaborative working environment, fostering a supportive atmosphere for scholarly growth.
• Dedicated support for your professional development and wellbeing, recognizing the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
• Attractive staff benefits, including:
  • Hybrid working options, allowing for a flexible blend of office and home-based work (subject to agreement based on business needs).
  • A generous 43 days' leave per year, encompassing personal leave, bank holidays, and additional days for the Christmas period (pro-rata for part-time staff).
  • An excellent pension scheme with substantial employer contributions.
  • A corporate employee-funded healthcare plan in partnership with Benenden Health.

For those seeking to advance their research career in early medieval studies, this Postdoctoral Research Associate position provides a significant opportunity to engage in impactful scholarship within a supportive and enriching academic environment. The blend of rigorous textual analysis, collaborative teamwork, and comprehensive benefits makes this a highly attractive prospect for dedicated scholars.