Research Assistant in Irish Literature and Classical Culture

Under the auspices of the Centre for Irish Studies at the Department of English, within the School of Communication and Culture at Aarhus University, applications for a research assistant in Irish Literature and Classical Culture are invited from suitably qualified applicants with related research interests. The main duties will be to continue the population of the database of Classical Allusions in Irish Literature hosted by the Centre. No prior experience in Digital Humanities is required. The position is made available through the research project Classical Influences and Irish Culture (CLIC), funded by the European Research Council.

The position is full-time and fixed term for 12 months, to begin on 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The workload is 37 hours a week.

The School of Communication and Culture is committed to diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their personal background.

Job descriptionThe successful applicant will continue the population of the database of Classical Allusions in Irish Literature which records references in Irish literature to mythological and historical figures, as well as locations, from Graeco-Roman antiquity. Training in populating the database will be provided.

For the purposes of the database, the rubric ‘Irish literature’ encompasses poetry, novels, drama, and translations, and covers texts published in both English and Irish languages, in the latter case dating back to the medieval period. Database entries record references to classical antiquity by name and/or by source, alongside information on the Irish text and brief notes on the content and function of the classical allusions. Relevant scholarship, where available, is also recorded. The creator of each entry is acknowledged by name for referencing purposes.

The database currently records data on over 900 works of Irish literature by approximately 140 Irish authors from different historical periods and in both English and Irish languages. Prospective applicants are invited to browse the database and to consider how they might best contribute to its development. Letters of application should include a brief outline of proposed authors or genres to be added to the database, along with an estimated timeline. Applicants should bear in mind that close reading is an essential skill for this position.

Candidates from any relevant area of research are invited to apply. An ability to work with Irish language texts (medieval, early modern, or modern) is not a requirement but may be considered an advantage. Experience with other digital projects is similarly not a requirement but might be considered an advantage.

Funding is available for an appointment at postdoctoral level. However, a PhD is not a pre-requisite and strong candidates without a PhD are also very much encouraged to apply. The appointed candidate will receive a competitive salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience, in accordance with the terms below (under Formalities), along with associated benefits. Costs of travel for relocation will also be covered. The successful candidate will have their own office, along with supporting facilities, at the Centre for Irish Studies.

Qualifications Applicants must have an academic degree at master’s degree level or higher in a subject relevant to Irish literature and/or classical culture or must document equivalent qualifications in a relevant field. All work takes place in English, and applicants must therefore have a native or near-native level of English language proficiency.

Although the Aarhus University application system includes an option to upload letters of recommendation, please do not include letters of recommendation or references with the application. Applicants who are invited to an interview may be asked to provide references.

Work environmentActive participation in the daily life of the department is a high priority, and we emphasise the importance of good working relationships, both among colleagues and with our students. In order to maintain and develop the department’s excellent teaching and research environment, the successful applicant is expected to be present at the department on a daily basis, as far as this is possible.

We respect the balance between work and private life and strive to create a work environment in which that balance can be maintained. You can read more about family and work-life balance in Denmark. Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU.

International applicants International applicants are encouraged to read about the attractive working conditions and other benefits of working at Aarhus University and in Denmark, including healthcare, paid holidays and, if relevant, maternity/paternity leave, childcare and schooling. Aarhus University offers a wide variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including a relocation service and an AU Expat Partner Programme. You can also find information about the taxation aspects of international researchers’ employment by AU.

The department Prospective applicants are invited to view the Centre for Irish Studies website, the CLIC project website and the Department of English website.

School of Communication and Culture The school is a part of the Faculty of Arts. You will find information about the school and its research programmes, departments, and diverse activities on its website.

Contact For further information about the position, and for any queries, please contact
Isabelle Torrance [email protected]

If you need help uploading your application or have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Arts HR support by email: [email protected].

FormalitiesFaculty of Arts refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities (the Appointment Order).

• Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .
• Further information on the application and supplementary materials may be found in Application Guidelines.

Shortlists may be prepared with the candidates that have been selected for a detailed academic assessment. A committee set up by the head of school is responsible for selecting the most qualified candidates. See this link for further information about shortlisting at the Faculty of Arts: shortlisting

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Faculty of ArtsThe Faculty of Arts is one of five main academic areas at Aarhus University.

The faculty contributes to Aarhus University's research, talent development, knowledge exchange and degree programmes.

With its 700 academic staff members, 200 PhD students, 9,000 BA and MA students, and 1,500 students following continuing/further education programmes, the faculty constitutes a strong and diverse research and teaching environment.

The Faculty of Arts consists of the School of Communication and Culture, the School of Culture and Society and the Danish School of Education. Each of these units has strong academic environments and forms the basis for interdisciplinary research and education.

The faculty's academic environments and degree programmes engage in international collaboration and share the common goal of contributing to the development of knowledge, welfare and culture in interaction with society.

Read more at arts.au.dk/en

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Deadline
15 December 2024

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Aarhus University Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/