One Calleva Centre Postdoctoral Researcher: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien: A Scholarly Reappraisal

Magdalen College proposes to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the project C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien: A Scholarly Reappraisal, led by Professor Simon Horobin (Magdalen College) and Professor Giuseppe Pezzini (Corpus Christi College), based at the Calleva Research Centre. The post will commence on 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be for three calendar years.

This project aims to undertake a reassessment of the scholarly legacy of one of Magdalen College’s foremost fellows, the English literary scholar C.S. Lewis, in the context of his professional, intellectual and personal relationships with his friend and colleague J.R.R. Tolkien.

We are seeking one qualified and highly motivated individual to work full-time on this project, contributing to the extensive programme of research into C.S. Lewis’s reading and writing, his academic archives, as well as the works of the scholars and groups with which he engaged, including especially J.R.R. Tolkien. This appointee will also contribute to an extensive survey of printed reviews and relevant secondary literature of Lewis’s major scholarly outputs in order to assess both the immediate impact of Lewis’s writings as well as its later significance. The postholder will join a stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment, and will gain experience in translating academic research for public audiences. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for research activities such as collecting and analysing of historical and literary data, carrying out archival research, communicating with academics and non-academics, liaising with librarians and exhibition curators, and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.

This is a three-year fixed-term position.

The appointment will be made on Grade 7.4 of the Unified College Pay Scale, currently £41,064 per annum, plus £1,730 per annum Oxford Location Allowance.

The appointment includes five free meals (lunch or dinner) in College each week that the kitchen is open, membership of the College’s Senior Common Room, and access to generous research funds.

Details of how to apply and further particulars are available by clicking the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date is Sunday 07 June 2026, and applications must be completed at or before that time. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Magdalen College is an equal opportunities employer.  Further information can be obtained from the College web site, at www.magd.ox.ac.uk/equality.

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