Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Faculty of Music invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful applicant will work on an ERC-funded project (https://www.mus.cam.ac.uk/node/6752) led by Dr Catherine A. Bradley.

The role will be fixed term until 31 December 2026, with a start date between 01 October 2025 and 01 January 2026.

The project offers the opportunity to conduct research into ritual contexts for and musical and poetic responses to the exclamation Benedicamus Domino ('Let us Bless the Lord') in the period c.1000 - 1500. The successful candidate will have the ability to transcribe, translate, and analyse a range of relevant Latin texts across the project's chronological span. These include Latin poetic and prose texts set to music, as well as Latin or vernacular texts describing liturgical rituals and relating to cultural and historical contexts for the Benedicamus Domino.

The role holder will also be encouraged to undertake case-studies of particular texts or manuscripts for article publication(s). Candidates should include a motivation statement, which demonstrates how their research interests and expertise relate to the project and the desired tasks.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant specialist subject (e.g., Latin language and/or literature, medieval studies, cultural studies, history, liturgy, or theology) or have evidence that the PhD will be completed by the starting date and show a developing profile of publications. The successful candidate will be capable of engaging with sophisticated conceptual problems relevant to the project. Applicants will ideally demonstrate a high level of competence in relevant languages, where appropriate. Previous experience of scholarship within a discipline and chronological period encompassed by the project is essential.

The postholders will be based in Cambridge, and to undertake research trips as relevant and required as part of the role.

In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) (including publications)
• A two-page cover letter describing relevant expertise and a motivation statement for the project
• A writing sample of no more than 12,000 words that you feel represents your work as a researcher
• The names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with your work

If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Informal enquires about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Catherine A. Bradley on [email protected].

For questions on the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on [email protected].

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Monday 11 August 2025. Interviews are planned to take place online on Monday 01 September 2025, subject to change.

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

Please quote reference GT46538 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.