IMEMS is one of the largest and most diverse concentrations of medieval and early modern studies worldwide, recognised as one of the leading UK institutes in this field. Our versatile ensemble of academics, curators, students, practitioners, and volunteers, are drawn across a wide range of disciplines, from Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences & Health, Science, Business, and Professional Services. We cover research areas from Late Antiquity to the late eighteenth century, across global geographies, including East Asia, South Asia, Indian Ocean, Islamicate regions, Europe, and North America.

We promote the international standing of Durham University, and its museums and collections, by initiating, co-ordinating and supporting networks, programmes and projects, and lectures and workshops for both specialists and the wider public. The Institute acts as the academic hub for Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, with responsibility for the framework of research, community engagement, and dissemination of tangible and intangible heritage – artefacts, built structures, collections, as well as the cultural practices, representations, knowledge, and the relation between such expressions of heritage, over a long period, in both local and global contexts. The framework includes training needs and specialist skills required for research in these areas.

In this context IMEMS is seeking to appoint a talented individual to the role of Lecturer. The postholder will spend 40% of their time on research duties, with the remaining 60% used to provide advanced training in Early Modern English Palaeography. They will work alongside a second appointee in Latin Palaeography of the European Middle Ages (see separate vacancy).

This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of excellent research and teaching within a progressive institution.

Applicants must demonstrate research excellence in the field of Early Modern English Palaeography, the ability to deliver online training courses in palaeography to an exceptional standard, and commitment to engage fully in the services, citizenship and values of the University. The University aims to provide a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.

The postholder will be employed by the Institute, but they will also be affiliated to the Department of the University with which their research interests are most closely aligned. They will be expected to report regularly to the Head of Department and Director of Research in that Department, as well as to the Institute Director.

We recognise that these posts may also be attractive to candidates who envisage careers as archivists or academic curators. Such candidates should interpret appropriately references below to their research and research plans, and they will, if appropriate, become members of Special Collections rather than an academic department.

Application Deadline: 4 July 2023

More details on the role are available here