About Position/Job
The University of Manchester invites applications for a Research Associate position within the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, focusing on palimpsests and the history of medicine in late antique Alexandria. Under the supervision of Professor Peter E. Pormann, this fixed-term role offers the opportunity to edit, translate, and study Syriac commentaries by Gesius (ca. 450–530s) on Galen’s Mixtures and Natural Faculties. The project combines multispectral imaging, machine learning, and philological research to recover lost texts, reconstruct original manuscripts, and examine their transmission from Greek into Syriac and Arabic. Spanning 60 months, the position contributes to groundbreaking interdisciplinary scholarship in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, and Egyptology, enhancing our understanding of ancient medical traditions and their lasting influence.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Research Associate
- Institution: University of Manchester
- Department: School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Research Field: Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology & Egyptology
- Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (Postdoctoral)
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2025
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum (depending on relevant experience)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Palimpsests and textual recovery
- Late antique medicine in Alexandria
- Syriac and Greek medical texts
- History of Galen’s works and their transmission
- Multispectral imaging and digital humanities
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, Egyptology, or related field
- Strong background in Syriac, Greek, or relevant ancient languages
- Experience in manuscript studies or textual editing
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with multispectral imaging techniques
- Background in digital humanities and machine learning for text recovery
- Proven research publications in related areas
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse and interpret Syriac translations of Galen’s works
- Edit, translate, and prepare scholarly editions of recovered texts
- Collaborate on multispectral imaging and machine learning workflows
- Contextualise findings within late antique medical history
- Disseminate research through publications and conferences
Application Process
How to Apply: Submit your application through the University of Manchester’s job portal. Only online applications will be accepted. Recruitment agencies will not be considered.
Required Documents:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Research Statement
- References
Important Dates
Application Opens: Open now
Deadline: 09 September 2025 (midnight UK time)
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Manchester
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply Now: Click here to apply
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