The University of Manchester is inviting applications for a Research Associate (Syriac) to join the European Research Council (ERC)-funded project, Gesius’ Commentaries on Galen: Recovering Lost Works Through a Mixed-Method Approach. Located within the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, this full-time fixed-term role focuses on analysing Syriac manuscripts and palimpsests through transcription, translation, and historical investigation. Applications close on 5 August 2026.
The appointed researcher will study erased Syriac texts preserved in the Gesius palimpsests, translating the material into English and examining its historical and linguistic background. Working with an interdisciplinary team, the postholder will produce scholarly outputs, support academic publications, and participate in conferences, workshops, research visits, and professional development activities related to the project.
This role is designed for researchers specialising in Syriac Studies, manuscript studies, and historical languages. The successful candidate will undertake original investigation of Syriac texts, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and collaborate with researchers to support the project’s aims through detailed textual and historical analysis.
The appointment is based at the University of Manchester within the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures and is supported by the European Research Council (ERC). The fixed-term contract continues until 31 March 2031, depending on the agreed start date, allowing the researcher to participate in a long-term international project focused on recovering lost Syriac works.
Position Details
- Position: Research Associate (Syriac)
- Official Reference Number: HUM-031731
- Institution: University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department: Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology & Egyptology, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Research Disciplines: Syriac Studies, Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, Egyptology
- Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Research Associate (Postdoctoral Research Position)
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term until 31 March 2031 (approximately 54 months)
- Start Date: To be agreed
- Working Hours: Full-time (1 FTE)
- Salary/Funding: £37,694–£42,254 per annum, depending on experience; ERC-funded project
- Required Qualification: PhD in Syriac Studies or a related field
Research Area
This position focuses on research in the following areas:
- Syriac Studies and Syriac manuscripts
- Palimpsest and manuscript studies
- Historical and corpus linguistics
- Classical Studies
- Translation studies
- Digital Humanities
- Ancient medical, scientific, and philosophical texts
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A very good first degree or Master’s degree with at least a high 2:1 classification or Merit.
- A PhD in Syriac Studies or a closely related discipline.
- Excellent command of the Syriac language.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct original research on Syriac texts and manuscripts.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative working skills.
Desirable qualifications include:
- Knowledge of Classical Greek and/or Arabic.
- Experience working with medical, scientific, or philosophical texts in Greek, Syriac, or Arabic.
- Familiarity with codicology, palimpsest studies, and techniques used to read erased manuscripts.
- Knowledge of Digital Humanities tools, including SketchEngine and corpus linguistics.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Transcribe erased Syriac texts preserved within the Gesius palimpsests.
- Translate Syriac materials accurately into English.
- Study the historical and linguistic context of Syriac translations.
- Contribute to the project’s multidisciplinary research approach.
- Produce publishable research for peer-reviewed academic journals.
- Participate in collaborative research activities, conferences, workshops, and professional development.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the University of Manchester’s official recruitment system before the published closing date. Applicants should ensure all required documentation is complete before submitting their application.
Required documents include:
- Completed online application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting statement or application information requested through the recruitment portal
- Evidence of academic qualifications where required
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently open
- Application Deadline: 5 August 2026 (midnight, UK time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: To be agreed
Eligible applicants should review the official vacancy information carefully and submit their application before the closing deadline to ensure full consideration for this ERC-funded research opportunity.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology research jobs
- ERC-funded humanities positions
- UK academic research positions
- Humanities research careers
- Digital Humanities academic vacancies
Institutional Overview
The University of Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s leading research-intensive universities, supporting internationally recognised scholarship across the humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences. The School of Arts, Languages and Cultures brings together expertise in languages, history, archaeology, and cultural studies through collaborative research and teaching. Researchers benefit from established academic networks, specialist collections, and opportunities for interdisciplinary work across the institution. The University also supports professional development through conferences, workshops, research partnerships, and access to extensive library resources, creating an environment that encourages high-quality academic research and international collaboration.
Researchers seeking research associate jobs, Syriac Studies positions, humanities research opportunities, ERC-funded research, and university research jobs can explore more academic vacancies and funding opportunities published regularly on HigherJobz.
