Generous gifts from the Zeno Karl Schindler (ZKS) Foundation and Chris and Margaret Lendrum make it possible for the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS) at Durham University to appoint a talented researcher and scholar to the role of Assistant Professor (Research) to work in the Scientific Study of Manuscripts and Inscriptions.

This field brings together scholars from very different disciplines, asking them to develop new questions and to use unfamiliar methodologies. The problems which they address range from new approaches to understanding science as practiced in medieval culture, through the challenges of digital presentation of sources and research results, to the non-invasive analysis of manuscripts. But in all they are required to embrace the value of integrated interdisciplinary work, developing and exploiting new frameworks for technological and intellectual innovation. IMEMS and Durham University have developed a strong reputation over recent years for innovative research within this field. Drawing on the structural capacity for collaborative research provided by Durham’s Research Institutes, as well as the remarkable resources available in situ, notably the outstanding manuscript and early printed book collections in the University, Cathedral and Ushaw libraries, and the artefacts of the Oriental Museum, scholars are breaking disciplinary boundaries under the auspices of this new IMEMS research strand.

Preference may be given to a candidate who can demonstrate how their research complements activity already being pursued at Durham. The successful applicant will be expected to engage actively in the academic life of the Institute and of the Department to which they are attached. We welcome applications from Humanities scholars or Social and Physical Sciences scholars, or those whose work bridges the disciplines.

In the Humanities and Social Sciences it is anticipated that the successful applicant will devise their own research project, and then develop it under expert supervision, ultimately producing a major individual accredited output (a post-doctoral monograph study or significant academic paper/article, for example) by the end of their Fellowship period.

In the Sciences it is anticipated that the successful applicant will join a research group or team. To this end it is essential that potential applicants discuss their ideas in advance with an established member of academic staff, with whom they would develop a research project.