Research Associate

Overview

The Research and Innovation Associate will assist in the research and publication of two major books on the twentieth-century poet Elizabeth Bishop: a trade book of her picture postcards for Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and a scholarly book, provisionally titled An Art of Looks: Elizabeth Bishop and Visual Culture, for Harvard University Press. Alongside these book publications, there will be the opportunity to help organise a new exhibition of Bishop’s postcards in Sheffield. 

The appointment is funded by an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Catalyst Award for the project “An Art of Looks: Elizabeth Bishop and Visual Culture.” The Research and Innovation Associate appointed will become part of a large interdisciplinary, international team, comprising two project leads, and eleven advisory board members.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist the project team to contextualise and transcribe Elizabeth Bishop’s postcards and other visual material, including photographs and paintings. 

• Liaise with archivists at various institutions to supply high-resolution images for book reproduction. 

• Manage data collection and storage on a day-to-day basis.

• Acquire editorial knowledge of literary and visual arts publishing.

• Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the project.

• Assist the project team in developing new interdisciplinary methodologies.

• Assist in the curation of an exhibition of Elizabeth Bishop’s Postcards at the University of Sheffield

• Assist in the organization of creative writing workshops taking part alongside the exhibition in Winter 2026 and Spring 2027. 

• Read and review primary and secondary material as appropriate.

• Assist in the establishment of a project website and social media presence.

• Attend regular project team catch-ups and advisory board meetings. 

• Support project reporting requirements, for example in relation to research project progress, finance, etc. 

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

PhD (or equivalent experience) in twentieth-century poetry and/or modern/contemporary visual arts 

Essential

Application / Interview

High degree of accuracy and consistency in a research context

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to assess, organise and plan activities and deliver to specific deadlines 

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to undertake the research and development necessary to achieve the aims of the project 

Essential

Application / Interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of archival research and transcription 

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances

Essential

Application / Interview

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues and others in the University and beyond 

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to work independently and seek guidance where appropriate 

Essential

Application / Interview

Publications upon or in a field related to twentieth-century poetry and/or modern/contemporary visual culture.

Desirable

Application / Interview

Experience of exhibition curation and/or organisation of creative writing workshops. 

Desirable

Application / Interview

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,784 pro rata

Work arrangement: Part Time - 0.5FTE

Duration: 14 months

Line manager: Dr Jonathan Ellis, School of English

Direct reports: None

Our website: School of English

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Jonathan Ellis, Reader in American Literature and Project Lead: on [email protected]  

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the interview will take place on 21 September 2026. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage the week commencing 14 September 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Fiona Thring on [email protected] .

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

As part of the AHRC grant, you will be able to work on a specialist laptop capable of handling high-resolution images. There is also funding available to allow you to attend and present your own research at the Poets and Postcards symposium at the Sorbonne.  

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.