Research Fellow - AR3244

Applications are sought for a committed Research Fellow (0.8 FTE) to work with Prof Seán Allan (St Andrews), Dr Elystan Griffiths (Birmingham), Prof Elke Dubbels (Osnabrück) and Prof Christian Moser (Bonn) conducting research for an AHRC-DFG funded project entitled ‘“Eine neue Ordnung der Dinge”. Social and Cultural Transition in the Epistolary and Journalistic Networks of Heinrich von Kleist’. The primary duties will be (a) to contribute to a jointly-authored monograph and edited volume; (b) to research primary sources in German and Austrian archives as well as primary and secondary sources available elsewhere; (c) assisting with the design and delivery of a major international conference; and (d) assisting with the translation/editing of key texts by Heinrich von Kleist.

The successful applicant will hold a PhD in German and/or Comparative Literature or a closely cognate field. Expertise in German culture around 1800 would be highly desirable.

The post (29 hours per week) is available for 33 months starting 1 May 2026. From 1 May 2026 – 31 September 2027 the position will be based at the University of St Andrews; from 1 October 2027 – 31 January 2029 the position will be based at the University of Birmingham. The successful candidate will initially be appointed to a fixed-term contract with the University of St Andrews for the first 17 months of the project. Subject to continued eligibility to work in the UK, a subsequent fixed-term contract will be issued in 2027 by the University of Birmingham for the remaining 16 months of the appointment. The fixed-term contract at the University of Birmingham will be subject to the University of Birmingham’s terms and conditions.

This post is being offered in tandem with an additional post that has been advertised at the University of Osnabrück. Candidates who have applied for the post in Osnabrück are welcome to apply for the post in St Andrews/Birmingham but must submit a separate application to St Andrews.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme

For an informal discussion of the role prospective candidates are welcome to contact either Prof Seán Allan (sa92@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Dr Elystan Griffiths (e.griffiths@bham.ac.uk)

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Interview Date: 18 March 2026

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