Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Postdoctoral Research Assistant (15 months, 0.8FTE) in Communication History research project

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) starting 01/04/2025, fixed term until 30/06/2026, part-time (0.8FTE). This post is part of a 3 year research project “Between Voice and Silence: Communicative Norms in Diaries 1840-1990”, funded by the Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2023-098) and led by Prof Melani Schroeter (University of Reading) together with Prof Theo Jung (University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany). The project team includes a PDRA based at the University of Halle-Wittenberg, Dr Pia Schmueser. The successful candidate will collect text material from mostly unpublished English manuscript diaries in UK archives and library collections; analyse the material for references to communicative opportunities and constraints; add material to our online analysis platform NVivo; annotate the material according to our coding scheme.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to presenting the research at conferences, covered by the project funding, and to project-related publications. You will gain access to relevant training as well as career development support, and guidance for carrying out your tasks from all of the project team. You would be based in the Department of Languages and Cultures at the University of Reading, which is part of the School of Humanities. The School provides a vibrant research environment and includes the Departments of History, English Language, English Literature, and Classics and a range of research specialisms, including the Centre for Book Cultures and Publishing.

You will have

• A BA and also MA in (a) Humanities subject(s)
• A completed PhD in a Humanities subject, preferably Linguistics or History
• Excellent English language skills
• Experience in working with archive/collections material, especially manuscripts

Closing Date - 03/03/2025

Interview Date - 11/03/2025

Contact details

Contact Name: Melani Schroeter
Contact Job Title: Professor
Contact Email address: m.schroeter@reading.ac.uk

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. Successful candidates not already holding a Skilled Worker visa issued before 4th April 2024 will need to have a relevant PhD qualification or qualify as a new entrant before being able to be sponsored. There is further information about visas on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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