芬兰赫尔辛基大学古文献学和手稿研究博士后

Postdoctoral Researcher, Latin Palaeography And Manuscript Studies

Helsinki University

Description

The National Library of Finland, University of Helsinki, is seeking to recruit a

POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHER, LATIN PALAEOGRAPHY AND MANUSCRIPT STUDIES

specialized in Latin palaeography and manuscript studies for a fixed-term employment of four years, starting from 1st January 2022 (or as agreed) until 31st December 2025.

The successful candidate will join the ERC-funded Books of the Medieval Parish Church – research project https: // www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/books-of- the-medieval-parish-…. This project studies the medieval fragment collections of the National Library of Finland and the Royal Archives of Sweden. It seeks to understand what kind of book collections the parish churches of the medieval kingdom of Sweden had, and by what modalities and where these books were produced. The project divides into two main parts. In the first part, we seek to connect the fragmentarily preserved books to their medieval homes by analysing the process of their early-modern recycling with the help of a purpose-built database. The second part examines the production histories of the manuscripts.

The main task of the successful candidate will be to contribute to the second part of the project with palaeographical and codicological research. One important goal will be identifying and contextualising production groups of manuscripts, but the overall scope of the research will be agreed with the successful candidate. While much of the project revolves around text scribes writing some manifestation of Northern Textualis (or late Pregothic script), the material and the project are also open to art historical approaches (esp. study of minor decoration), studies in the paleography of musical notation, and work in the tradition of quantitative codicology.

Many of the manuscript books used in the medieval kingdom of Sweden were imported from abroad. The fragments thus also offer insights into English, French, and German high- and late-medieval book culture, and understanding the material in its European context is of central concern for the project. The chronological scope of the palaeographical research extends from the second half of the twelfth century until the Reformation.

The successful candidate is expected to publish articles in top-level international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Depending on the nature of research, also other forms of publication (data, book chapters, monograph) are possible.

A small amount of teaching may be included in the job description, according to the wishes of the successful applicant. The possible teaching will contribute to the History Degree Programme (Faculty of Arts), with which the project collaborates.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant must have completed a doctoral degree which demonstrates excellent skills in Latin palaeography and codicology. The degree can be from any relevant discipline, such as history, Latin philology or art history. Good overall understanding of high- and late medieval European history and book history is expected. A solid command of written and spoken English is mandatory and competence in other modern European languages is highly valued.

The palaeographical side of the project (part 2) will collaborate closely with the team responsible for the database-driven analysis of the manuscript recycling (part 1). Experience of working with databases, while not mandatory, is thus also an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER

The research project is based at the National Library of Finland, which is an independent institution of the University of Helsinki. We offer the chance to work as part of an inspiring and well-resourced team at a beautiful location in Helsinki city center. The project also has close ties to the wider community of medievalists working in Helsinki.

The annual gross monthly salary range will be €3,400–3,700 per month, depending on the merits and experience of the successful candidate according the salary system applied in Finnish universities. There will be a six-month trial period for the position. The successful candidate is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunity employer, and offers an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. This includes comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, pension benefits, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development (www. helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers). The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland (https: // www. helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the- university).

HOW TO APPLY

You are welcome to submit your application until September 30th, 2021 with the following required attachments (in English, compile all documents as a single PDF file):

Curriculum vitae

Cover letter, summarizing the candidates relevant experience and presenting tentative research idea(s) the candidate would pursue in the project (max. 2 pages)

List of publications

Contact information of two persons who can provide a reference letter based on request

A writing sample (an article or max. 20-page extract from a book or thesis)

The application, together with the required attachments, must be submitted as one pdf-file through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Applicants employed by the University of Helsinki must submit their application through the SAP HR portal (https: // saphr.it.helsinki.fi/irj/portal).

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about the position or any questions about the BOMPAC project and potential fit, please contact Senior Researcher Jaakko Tahkokallio, jaakko.tahkokallio(at)helsinki.fi.

In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact rekrytointi(at)helsinki.fi

The whole of the Helsinki fragment collection is available digitized here: https: // fragmenta.kansalliskirjasto.fi/

Most of the Stockholm collection is available digitized here: https: // sok.riksarkivet.se/MPO

The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary research university that ranks among the best in the world and the top 1% of the European universities. The University is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland that seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity and environment. Currently, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers.

The National Library of Finland is a cultural heritage organization that is open to all and provides nationwide services to citizens, scientific communities and other societal operators. We secure the availability of cultural heritage published in Finland or relating to Finland as well as transmit and produce information content for research, studies, citizens and the society. We develop services in cooperation with libraries, archives, museums and other operators.