MHRA research fellow

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY; Swansea; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK Research University is seeking a research fellow to work on the critical edition of the collected works of Elias Canetti. This role involves collaboration with editors, text preparation for publication, and indexing. It also offers teaching opportunities in the German section. The university promotes equality and diversity and welcomes applicants from various backgrounds, emphasizing Welsh language engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in text comparison, collation, and editing.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research project.
• Welsh language skills at Level 1 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with general editors and volume editors.
• Compile bibliographies and prepare texts for publication.
• Cross-reference and index relevant works.

Job description

Overview

The Kritische Gesamtausgabe der Werke von Elias Canetti (The critical edition of the collected works of Elias Canetti) is edited by Kristian Wachinger and Sven Hanuschek and published by Hanser. It draws on the rich materials in Canetti's Nachlass which are now available to researchers online through the Elias Canetti Foundation portal.

Responsibilities

• Work with Swansea's general editors and volume editors.
• Gain experience in text comparison, collation and editing of paralipomena.
• Compile bibliographies and prepare texts for publication.
• Cross‑reference, index and search for references to the relevant work in the Nachlass.
• Develop team‑working skills in a collaborative research project.
• Produce an edition that enhances reader appreciation of the work, rather than striving for completeness.

Cooperative Project

Additionally, the postholder will be involved in the AHRC‑DFG funded project 'Elias Canetti and the British in a European Context : Exile, Reception, Appropriation (2024-27)', led by Sven Hanuschek in Munich and Julian Preece in Swansea. The project includes a shared postdoc resident in Swansea from 1 October 2025 and offers opportunities in outreach, conference organisation and presentation, including a conference in September 2026 where the postholder can showcase their work.

Teaching Opportunities

The MHRA research fellow will also have opportunities to teach in the German section, remunerated separately.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University promotes equality and diversity, welcoming applications from all protected characteristics. Applications are accepted in Welsh or English and will be treated equally. Welsh speakers may be interviewed in Welsh. Welsh language skills are Level 1 ‑ basic, including pronunciation, answering calls, and using simple phrases. The university encourages engagement with Welsh culture and language as part of its bilingual strategy.

University and Campus

Swansea University is a research‑led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work‑life balance.