Research Associate in English

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work on the intellectual and cultural history of vivid memory and the subjective experience of remembering. The successful candidate will work across the Faculties of English and History.

What does it feel like to have a memory? We know surprisingly little about how we can vividly relive past events, which functions of the brain are involved, and how these processes vary across individuals, societies and cultures. In this new project, scientists and humanities scholars will collaborate across disciplines to drive a step-change both in understanding memory vividness and the associated brain mechanisms across the life-course, and in enhancing the interpretation of vividness in literary and historical contexts.

The project will recruit two post-doctoral researcher associates, one (this role) based in the Faculty of English under the supervision of Raphael Lyne and Alexandra Walsham (Faculty of History) and another based in the Department of Psychology (job ref: PJ43736) under the supervision of Jon Simons and Charles Fernyhough (Durham University). The humanities research associate will analyse memory narratives pertaining to vividness in iconic literary moments and historical episodes from the early modern era and beyond. The cognitive neuroscience research associate will conduct behavioural and functional neuroimaging experiments in younger and older adults investigating the cognitive and brain mechanisms of vividness. While focusing primarily on their own disciplines, both role-holders will work collaboratively together, and with the wider interdisciplinary team, to discuss and co-design the research, developing a common understanding that bridges the conceptual and terminological frameworks of each discipline.

Applicants for the role based in the Faculty of English should have a Ph.D. in English Literature, History, or related disciplines. They will have interests in theories and practices of memory and subjectivity, in rhetorical and philosophical discourse, and/or in literary and religious writing. The project's historical focus will be c.1500-1800. However, applicants with expertise in life-writing, visual art, poetry, rhetoric, or the histories of the emotions and senses in other periods are welcome to apply. They will also be eager to engage in interdisciplinary conversations with psychologists and cognitive neuroscientists and contribute to the development of experimental strategies for investigating subjective experience. Applicants should have excellent organisational skills, be highly motivated, enjoy working in a vibrant collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, and be able to communicate effectively, with outstanding writing ability.

The post is full-time and available from 1 February 2025. The role will be fixed term for 2 years.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Raphael Lyne at rtrl100@cam.ac.uk. If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the School of Arts and Humanities HR team at sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Monday 25 November 2024. Interviews are planned for Tuesday 17 December 2024, subject to change.

Please quote reference GG43684 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.