Professorship of Bibliography and Modern Book History

The Faculty of English and Jesus College intend to appoint to the Professorship of Bibliography and Modern Book History with effect from 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This professorship was created in 2018 to succeed the Readership in Bibliography and Textual Criticism which had long been regarded as one of the most prestigious posts within this part of the discipline of literary studies. We look to the Professor of Bibliography and Modern Book History to maintain Oxford’s preeminent position as a centre for the study of book history, and to stimulate interest in the subject within the wider academic community and beyond.

We are seeking applications from scholars working on any aspects of bibliography, digital humanities, textual criticism, manuscript studies and book history from c.1750 to the present day. The Professor is responsible for structuring, teaching and guiding the bibliographical and textual criticism elements of the master’s degree in English Studies, as well as these elements in the work of our doctoral students. We are now seeking a scholar not only to maintain this important aspect of our teaching but also to lead as we modernise and diversify our courses and research, especially in the digital age. So long as the expertise is grounded in a firm grasp of bibliography in its different forms, other approaches closer to what is now understood as book history will be welcome.

You will be a scholar of the highest international standing, with an outstanding record of research and publication. You will demonstrate ability to teach, guide, and inspire students at all levels; a capacity and willingness to advise and mentor early career researchers and other colleagues; an ability to attract funding and manage funded projects, and to work collaboratively; and a proven ability and readiness to undertake senior leadership duties and to play a role in the formation of academic strategy, as well as lead scholarship in your field.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon UK time on Monday 12 January 2026. Interviews are expected to be held in March 2026.

Informal enquiries are welcome and may be made in strict confidence to Professor Simon Horobin, Chair of the English Faculty Board (chair@ell.ox.ac.uk) or Dr Alexandra Lumbers, Academic Director at Jesus College (alexandra.lumbers@jesus.ox.ac.uk).

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