Postdoctoral Research Associate: Late Antique History (Greekwest) – Grade 7

Applicants are invited to apply for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate: Late Antique History to work on the project ‘Greek in the West: language communities, migration and the transformation of society in western Europe (GREEKWEST)’, led by Dr Alison John. It is funded by an ERC Starting Grant and hosted in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology (www.liverpool.ac.uk/archaeology-classics-and-egyptology).

The project aims to reconstruct the place of Greek in the sociolinguistic landscape of western Europe during Late Antiquity (300–700 CE). Employing approaches from sociolinguistics, philology, prosopography and epigraphy, the project seeks a) to establish who knew and used Greek in the late antique West and from what sectors of society they came, b) to investigate the motivations for using and learning Greek, and c) to retrace how individuals and communities in the West learned and accessed Greek knowledge.

The project team will create a four-part database, corresponding to the four overarching project themes: 1) Literary Culture and Education; 2) Political and Religious Networks between East and West; 3) Material Culture, Migration and Non-Elite Bilingualisms; and 4) Translation. The team will concentrate the analysis of this large and varied data set into four regional case studies (Calabria and Sicily, Carthage, the Southern coast of Gaul; and Gallaecia), the results of which will form the basis of three edited books and one monograph.

You will work primarily on Theme 2 (Political and Religious Networks between East and West). You will be based in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at the University of Liverpool. You will have a research background in late antique history and an interest in the history of languages and society in the ancient and late antique periods. You must have an excellent knowledge of Latin and Greek, experience of working with ancient and/or late antique texts, and ideally a familiarity with approaches from sociolinguistics.

These postdoctoral positions are designed to support the career development of the post holders. Alongside contributing to the work of the project, it is expected that the PDRAs will pursue their own research related to the project themes, and they will be supported in accessing training and other opportunities to enhance their networks and research profiles. There are funds to cover visa costs for successful non-UK applicants.

Fixed term available for 36 months from 1^st September 2026.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Please note that there are three PDRA positions on the project currently being advertised which focus on different themes as follows:

Late Antique Literature

Late Antique History

Greek and Roman Epigraphy

If you would like to be considered for more than one of the PDRA positions, please indicate this on your covering letter and explain how you fit the criteria for the role(s).

It is anticipated that shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online via Microsoft Teams in early May.

For questions or enquiries about this post please contact Dr Alison John at Alison.John@liverpool.ac.uk.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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