Research Associate - MOWLIT: The Medieval March of Wales

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Bristol seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to a project on medieval Welsh literature. The role involves database management, archival research, and website content creation. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in medieval Welsh literature, fluency in Romance languages, and experience with manuscripts. This full-time position is fixed-term until August 2026 and requires in-person collaboration.

Qualifications

• Secure knowledge of Middle Welsh language and literature is crucial.
• Experience with medieval Welsh, French, and Latin manuscripts is essential.
• Strong postdoctoral research track record and publications are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the project database related to translations to Middle Welsh.
• Build a prosopography of Marcher gentry for the project.
• Conduct archival research on Welsh manuscripts and literature.

Skills

Ph.D. in medieval Welsh literature

Fluency in at least one Romance language

Expertise in medieval French narratives

Digital technologies knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in medieval Welsh literature

Job description

Overview

The School of Humanities invites applications for a full-time fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the ERC Advanced/UKRI Horizon Guarantee project, MOWLIT: The Medieval March of Wales, c. 1282-1550. The project, which began in 2023, is creating a cultural history of the medieval borderlands between Wales and England by creating a database of the people, places and manuscripts connected with the March. The website will feature a prosopography and an original series of digital maps of the Marcher lordships. The PDRA will join an existing team working with the Principal Investigator, Professor Helen Fulton, to contribute to the database and to create content for the website. The role is fixed term for 9 months (1 December 2025 to 31 August 2026) and the appointee is required to work with the project team in person at the University of Bristol.

Responsibilities

• Contribute effectively to the research project by assisting with the project database, with particular responsibility for the manuscript record of translations and adaptations from French into Middle Welsh.
• Assist with populating the website by building a prosopography of Marcher gentry.
• Undertake archival research on Marcher communities and the circulation of Welsh manuscripts and early printed books in Welsh, French, Latin, and English.
• Undertake research on medieval Welsh translations and adaptations of French literature.
• Present papers at conferences and seminars.
• Work with Research IT to develop and populate the project website.

Qualifications

• Applications are invited from candidates with a Ph.D. in medieval Welsh literature, with a secure knowledge of Middle Welsh language and literature and fluency in at least one Romance language.
• You should have existing expertise in the reception and translation of medieval French narratives in medieval Wales based on a strong track record of postdoctoral research, publications, and grant capture.
• Experience of working with medieval Welsh, French and Latin manuscripts is essential.
• Some knowledge of digital technologies, especially databases and websites, is desirable.

Additional information

• For informal enquiries please contact: Professor Helen Fulton ([e-mail])
• Contract type: Fixed term until 31/08/2026
• Work pattern: Monday - Friday
• Grade: I
• Salary: £39,906 - £44,746 per annum
• School/Unit: School of Humanities
• This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 29/09/2025
• Interviews are anticipated to take place on Tuesday 11th November 2025

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