Research Associate at the Department of French Employment with KINGS COLLEGE LONDON

job description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate to work on the AHRC-funded project, “Radical Translations: The Transfer of Revolutionary Culture Between Britain, France and Italy (1789-1815)” . This is led by principal investigator Dr. Sanja Perovic (Department of French, King’s College London) and co-investigators Dr. Rosa Mucignat (Comparative Literature, King’s College London) and Professor Erica Mannucci (University of Milan-Bicocca).

“Radical Translations” seeks to understand the role of translation in the circulation of revolutionary texts between Italy, France and Great Britain in order to recover the dynamics of resistance, opposition and insurrection generated by radical thought . He seeks to reposition the role of translators not as passive collaborators but as active activists seeking to disseminate radical democratic ideas in new cultures and languages ​​- an idea contested then as today. The project consists of a website containing a database of c. 800 translations and biographical information on c. 275 translators. See www.radicaltranslations.org for more information.

The research assistant will help the research team to produce the research results of the projects. This includes updating the database with new translations or biographical information on translators; search for additional information to annotate and contextualize existing entries; research and develop potential case studies with the project team; researching materials and updating the project website; work with the project team to identify new avenues for research and / or funding.

Applicants will hold a doctorate specializing in 18th century studies, revolutionary history, the history of translation and / or digital humanities. Engagement with interdisciplinary approaches and comparative methods is vital. Knowledge of reading French is essential. The ability and willingness to travel to non-UK archives and libraries in France and Italy is highly desirable. Previous experience with archival methods, bibliographic studies, prosopographic data models or digital humanities is also highly desirable. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate their ability to work well in a team, manage their time and research effectively, and have or want to acquire the appropriate digital skills.

The research assistant will be based in the French department of King’s College London. In addition to working closely with the project team, they will collaborate with King’s Digital Labs.

This position will be offered a fixed-term contract of 5.5 months

This is a full time position

Main responsibilities

• Undertake systematic research in libraries and archives on 18th century translators in the UK, France and Italy, both in person and remotely
• Identify new sources to find data on little-known, unknown, anonymous or pseudonymous translators and their translations
• Find clues about networks by researching relevant historiography
• Become familiar with digital archives and other inventories from major libraries in England, France and / or Italy
• Acquire and implement knowledge of digital publishing platforms and web design applications such as Django and wagtail
• Develop editorial skills by annotating bibliographic and biographical records online
• Present results in weekly meetings and work collaboratively within a team
• Identify new sources of funding / avenues for new research
• Organize workshops / conferences / impact activities in collaboration with the project team

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the incumbent will be required to undertake the tasks and responsibilities reasonably expected in the context and classification of the position.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential criteria

1. Doctorate specializing in 18th century studies, revolutionary history, history of translation or a related field (applicants who have completed their doctorate but have not yet obtained their defense or diploma may be considered)
2. Knowledge of archival research methods and techniques
3. Knowledge of library research methods and techniques, including bibliographic studies
4. Some basic knowledge of the objectives and approaches of prosopographic data models
5. Evidence of the ability and / or aptitude to formulate additional research questions based on the initial results
6. Knowledge of French reading and fluency in native or near-native English
7. Ability to work without close supervision
8. Ability to work under pressure and on time

Desirable criteria

1. Knowledge of methods and techniques for building a digital database
2. Knowledge of the major archives of France and England
3. Ability to travel and undertake at least 1 extended research trip in French archives / libraries and / or Italian archives / libraries
4. Knowledge of reading Italian

Please note that this is a doctoral level position, but applicants who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting their doctoral degree will be considered. In these circumstances, the appointment will be made at level 5, spine point 30 with the title of research assistant. After confirmation of the doctoral award, the job title will become a research associate and the salary will increase to grade 6.

Please see the project website www.radicaltranslations.org for more information