Research Associate - Coptic in Manchester (UKRI)

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 (DD/MM/YYYY): 31/10/2025
Contract Duration: From February 1^st 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.

The project’s objectives are threefold:

• 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.

The post holder, hereby referred to as the PDRA, will primarily be working on the manuscripts, writing detailed and engaging descriptions in English and translations into Arabic. They will be responsible for working with line manager Dr Sarah Parkhouse in the University of Manchester’s Religions and Theology Department, and the project Co-I Dr Jeremy Penner, Research Curator of African and Near Eastern Manuscripts in the John Rylands. There is the opportunity to partake in departmental life and also gain knowledge of curatorial practices.

Key collaborators are the Coptic Church in Stockport, Manchester, and the Coptic Church in Llandudno, Wales. The project has an extensive and 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 about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr. Sarah Parkhouse

Email: sarah.parkhouse@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004 jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

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

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