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

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 itemise, contextualise 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 the 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.

Qualifications:

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, be flexible, and have the ability to collaborate effectively with team members across multiple institutions.

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.