Research Associate - Coptic in Manchester (UKRI)

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Manchester is seeking a committed postdoctoral research associate to work on a project focused on Coptic manuscripts. The role involves collaborating with local communities, producing manuscript descriptions, and analyzing historical collections. Ideal candidates should have experience in Coptic and Arabic, alongside strong communication skills. This fixed-term role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in Coptic and Arabic relevant to a postdoctoral research role.
• Ability to produce high-quality manuscript descriptions and translations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Write detailed and engaging descriptions in English and translations into Arabic.
• Collaborate with line managers and project Co-Investigators.
• Engage with departmental life and curatorial practices.

Skills

Coptic expertise

Arabic proficiency

Manuscript analysis

Translation skills

Curatorial practices

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Job reference: HUM-029730
Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Humanities
Location: John Rylands Library
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Religions and Theology
Hours per week: Full Time
Closing date: 23/09/2025
Contract duration: From February 1st 2026 for 12 months
School/Directorate: School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

We are seeking a committed and engaged postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) with skills in Coptic and Arabic to work on the UKRI-funded project “Coptic in Manchester: Connecting Manuscripts and Communities”. This collaborative project on Coptic manuscripts in the John Rylands Research Institute and Library (JRRIL) will bridge the existing divide between traditional academic research on these artefacts and the local Coptic community. The PDRA will be housed at the JRRIL.

Project objectives

• To collaborate with the local Coptic Orthodox community to identify key manuscripts in the JRRIL that can illuminate the formative period of Coptic history, followed by detailed analysis of the selected manuscripts.
• To investigate the history of the Coptic archive at the John Rylands Library, situating it within the broader narrative of colonial-era collecting practices and their contemporary legacies.
• To raise awareness and access to the Coptic collection in Manchester, through collection encounters, a public conference, and a co-created digital exhibition and edited volume featuring critical editions, translations, articles, and reflections.

Responsibilities

• Primary focus on manuscripts, writing detailed and engaging descriptions in English and translations into Arabic.
• Collaborate with line manager Dr Sarah Parkhouse in the University of Manchester’s Religions and Theology Department, and the project Co-Investigator Dr Jeremy Penner, Research Curator of African and Near Eastern Manuscripts at the John Rylands.
• Engage with departmental life and gain knowledge of curatorial practices.

Qualifications and profile

• Experience in Coptic and Arabic and a track record relevant to a postdoctoral research role.
• Ability to produce high-quality manuscript descriptions and translations, and to work with academic and community partners.
• Wamiliarity with curatorial practices is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; translations into Arabic as required.

Key collaborators include the Coptic Church in Stockport, Manchester, and the Coptic Church in Llandudno, Wales. The project has an extensive international advisory board. A PDRA seeking an academic career may find the balance between traditional research and co-creation appealing.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here. Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries

Name: Dr. Sarah Parkhouse
Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries: [e-mail]

Technical support: Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.