Department of English, CLA Ross-Lynn Postdoctoral Fellow
Date Available: January 2025
Principal Duties
The Department of English at Purdue University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow working at the intersection of medieval literary studies and Digital Humanities (or related fields). This is a one-year, full-time, 12-month position beginning on January 1, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2025.
The Fellow would work under the direction of Prof Michael Johnston (Department of English), supporting him in two collaborative research projects: First, they would support Johnston and Dr Ian Cornelius (Department of English, Loyola University) as they assume editorship of the Digital Index of Middle English Verse (online at dimev.net; hereafter, DIMEV). Second, they would collaborate with Johnston and Dr David Gura (Curator of Ancient and Medieval Manuscripts, University of Notre Dame) on a catalogue of the manuscripts of the Middle English text, The Prick of Conscience. The latter project is well underway and would benefit from a researcher with expertise in medieval English manuscript studies. The former commences in January 2025 and would benefit from a researcher with expertise in Digital Humanities.
In addition to working on the two projects described above, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop original collaborative research studies commensurate with their own background and interests.
Specific duties will include the following:
• Regularly collaborate with Prof Johnston on both major research projects, as outlined above;
• Participate in the creation and submission of research grant proposals to relevant funding agencies (e.g., National Endowment for the Humanities, American Council of Learned Societies, Council on Library and Information Resources) in support of both research projects; a minimum of one extramural grant submission for $100,000 or more is expected.
• Take a leading role in conducting original research, resulting in two or more papers submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals in literary studies, medieval studies, or Digital Humanities (with the possibility of collaborating with Johnston on publications);
• Work with Johnston and other professors, as appropriate, to mentor student researchers.
This CLA Ross-Lynn Postdoctoral Fellowship comes with a salary of $60,000. Funding for the position is provided by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships (OEVPRP) at Purdue University.
Required
Ph.D. in English, Latin, Medieval Studies, or a closely related discipline, and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and funded research.
Preferred
Experience with medieval manuscript studies and a basic working knowledge of codicology and palaeography
Ability to read Middle English and Latin with fluency
Experience with data serialization formats, data processing, and basic web development
The College and University
Purdue University, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department of English are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom.
Purdue University, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department of English are committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values diversity and inclusion.
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit electronically (1) a letter of application; and (2) a CV or résumé that includes the names of three professional references. Please submit materials to Success Factors, the Purdue system for job applications.
A writing sample and research statement will be requested from candidates selected for screening interviews.
Review of materials will begin October 18, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
Please direct questions to Prof Michael Johnston mjohnst@purdue.edu.