Research Fellow: AHRC Project ‘Strange Geographies: Spatial Imaginaries of Medieval Britain’

Full Time Fixed Term for 30 months

The University of Southampton is seeking to appoint a post-doctoral Research Fellow for 30 months (with the possibility of extension). The Fellow will support the AHRC-Funded project 'Strange Geographies: Spatial Imaginaries of Medieval Britain, c.1200-1500’, a collaboration between Southampton, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Cambridge, and a range of heritage and creative partners.

‘Strange Geographies’ focuses on an under-explored body of manuscript sources containing geographical material produced between 1200 and 1500. It will itemize, contextualize and interpret these sources to understand their role in shaping medieval spatial imaginaries, identities, and wider histories of geography. Through collaborations with musicians, poets and heritage partners, the project will also explore potential of creative collaborations to open up new ways of connecting people to the places and spaces of the past.

The Fellow will carry out library and archive-based research into medieval manuscript resources across the British Isles and occasionally overseas, as well as desk-based research, transcription, editing, and preparing materials for web publication under the direction of the project lead and co-leads. You will contribute to the project dissemination by organising and participating in conference panels, workshops, and public engagement activities. You will publish academic outputs individually and in collaboration with the project lead and co-leads.

You will have completed a PhD in a relevant medieval subject and will have good reading and transcription competence in medieval Latin as well as demonstrable experience of working with medieval manuscripts (including from the British Isles). In addition to these essential disciplinary research skills, you will have strong organisational skills. You will be required to be flexible and to have the ability to collaborate effectively with team members across multiple institutions.

About the Department of English and the School of Humanities

The Department of English at Southampton is a thriving Department with a commitment to fostering a strong sense of community among staff and students. We work closely with colleagues across the School of Humanities, including in the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Culture and the Digital Humanities Research Institute.  The School also benefits from the Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities (SIAH), which draws expertise from across the University of Southampton to help develop and support projects that build on Arts and Humanities research to address societal challenges.

About the University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities in the United Kingdom, and ranked in the top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026).

The University of Southampton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from Minority Ethnic candidates. We are a founding signatory of the Athena Swan gender equality charter and hold an institutional Silver award.

For more information, contact Prof. Marianne O’Doherty at mod1w07@soton.ac.uk

Please apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the role requirements as set out in the Job Description and Person Specification.

Excepted start date: 1 November 2026

*Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a sample of recent academic work prior to interview.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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