Postdoctoral Research Associate (2341)
Postdoctoral Research Associate
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, at Birkbeck, University of London, is looking for a talented researcher to join a project focused on expanding our understanding of non‑elite writers and writing in seventeenth‑century England.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, at Birkbeck, University of London, is looking for a talented researcher to join a project focused on expanding our understanding of non‑elite writers and writing in seventeenth‑century England.
As Postdoctoral Research Associate you will join 'Written Worlds in Seventeenth-Century England', an exciting Leverhulme Trust–funded project. The role is offered on a 13‑month, part time (17.5 hours a week) contract with a salary of £22,124 rising to £25,189 per annum (pro-rated £44,247 to £50,379 per annum).
In this role, you will carry out dedicated research on non‑elite textual production, working closely with the Principal Investigator, Professor Sue Wiseman, and the Co‑Investigator, Dr Brodie Waddell. You will have the opportunity to work extensively with manuscripts and printed sources, visit archives, investigate datasets, develop the project database, and contribute to shaping the project’s scholarly outputs - and you may also be involved in textual editing.
As Research Associate, you will focus on one of two thematic strands:
- Non‑elite writing produced in the provinces, or
- Writing produced by non‑elite women.
Your research will involve identifying and analysing sources, exploring methodological approaches that bring together literary and historical perspectives, and supporting the team in consolidating and finalising project outputs.
You will also liaise with contributors, assist in completing the project database, and develop your own research paper for presentation and eventual publication.
To succeed as Research Associate, you will bring a strong foundation in early modern studies, demonstrated through a good first degree in a relevant subject (e.g. English Literature, History), a completed PhD in a related discipline, and a record of academic publication supported by clear plans for future research - or equivalent experience.
You should have a basic ability to work with databases and to research English-language manuscript and print materials from c.1570–1730, with a willingness to further develop these skills.
You will also need to write to a high academic standard, manage your time effectively, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines. If this sounds like the role for you - apply with us below.
Salary and benefits
£22,124 rising to £25,189 per annum, 0.5 FTE (pro-rated £44,247 to £50,379 per annum), Grade 7 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.
Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.
Contract:
Fixed-term, 13 month contract, part-time (17.5 hours a week). Please submit a CV and statement for consideration. Closing date: Monday 18 May. Interview date: Thursday 4 June 2026.
Enquiries:
If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Professor Sue Wiseman at s.wiseman@bbk.ac.uk
If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.