Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
This is a fixed-term three-year position for a postdoctoral researcher in the interdisciplinary team of the AHRC-funded research project Hidden in Plain Sight: Historical and Scientific Analysis of Premodern Sacred Books. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting textual analysis and providing contextual information. They will work closely with scientists and technicians, under the supervision of PI and Co-Is, to investigate how sacred books were appropriated, mutilated, or used talismanically. They will examine a wide range of premodern books, primarily books transformed and mutilated in the course of religious reform; books transitioning between Jews and Christians in medieval Europe; and talismanic use of Scripture in non-European contexts. They will work alongside the project’s other Postdoctoral Research Associate (a Heritage Scientist) and liaise with the project’s technicians, curators, conservators, advisory board and faith communities. They will contribute to an ambitious dissemination and engagement programme that will share the project’s findings with a range of academic and non-academic audiences.

About You
You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher, who wishes to explore the cutting edge of historical research. You hold a PhD in history or adjacent field, and have experience in working with both Hebrew and Latin manuscripts. Knowledge of, or experience in, scientific analysis is not required, but willingness to work with and learn from people outside your expertise is. You should have knowledge in at least one of the project’s linguistic and cultural spheres (Jewish-Christian relations, the Reformation, West Africa and East Asia) and interest in learning more about them. You will be expected to research and publish as part of your work on the project, and engage with diverse audiences, both virtually and in-person.

About the Project
The AHRC-funded project (to commence January 2024) is a major collaborative investigation into the transformation of premodern sacred books and objects. It combines in-depth historical study with a multitude of scientific and technical analyses (e.g. CT-Scanning, Spectroscopy, Microscopy and Proteomics). The project is a collaboration between QMUL, Cambridge University Library, the National Library of Wales and the University of Cambridge’s Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology.

Benefits
The post is based at the Mile End Campus in London, with frequent work in Cambridge, as well as periodic national and international travel. It is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for 3 years, with an expected start date of 01 January 2024. The starting salary will be Grade 4, with a starting salary of £40,223 per annum pro rata, inclusive of London Allowance.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Eyal Poleg at[email protected] .

For further details and to apply for the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button.

The closing date for applications is 03/10/2023.

Interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter.