Research Associate/Fellow in Digital Curation and Analysis (Part-time, Fixed term) (ARTS904826)

The Department of Classics and Archaeology at the University of Nottingham is seeking a Research Associate/Fellow in digital curation and analysis to work on the AHRC-funded project Voices of Britain Under and After Rome. This 4-year, multidisciplinary project will explore the diverse voices, identities, and cultural interactions that shaped early British history between the first century BCE and the seventh century CE: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/research-on-early-british-voices-and-identities. This project will use datasets previously curated by team members which will be supplemented, enhanced, and analysed during the project. We will use digital imaging and other techniques to recover new texts and will deploy approaches from Computational Linguistics (including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Natural Language Processing (NLP)) on sociolinguistic tasks alongside traditional methods.

Core responsibilities, with suggested specific tasks which will depend on the skillset and experience of the appointed candidate, include:

Data creation, enhancement, management, and curation for the project under the guidance of the Project Lead, Alex Mullen, including updating and refining the Digital Management Plan (DMP), and e.g. working on Roman Inscriptions of Britain Online or digitisation of early post-Roman stone inscriptions.Computational analysis, e.g. using LLMs/NLP, to detect linguistic variation across time, space, and social context using the richly encoded dataset Roman Inscriptions of Britain Online.  Collaborative work with other team members, and the development of an independent and/or collaborative publication portfolio.Dissemination of results and reporting as directed by the PL.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, and to shape a valuable research portfolio alongside supportive and experienced mentors. The University of Nottingham provides a comprehensive suite of digital infrastructure, including High Performance Computing (HPC).

Candidates must have a Masters in any subject and a PhD awarded/in progress, or similar professional or industry qualifications in Digital Humanities/Classics/Archaeology/Computer Science/Linguistics or related subjects. Ability to analyse and interpret datasets and apply critical evaluation to current methodologies is essential. Applicants must have proficiency in Python, experience in research data management (including database management, documentation and version-controlled workflows), and knowledge and experience in Computational Linguistics. It is desirable that they have familiarity with database querying (e.g. SQL or similar) and structured textual data and text encoding practices (TEI/EpiDoc XML). The candidate will ideally be able to demonstrate experience with AI model frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX or similar). Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and in particular the ability to explain technical concepts to non-specialists. They must also work well to deadlines and manage administrative demands efficiently; and will have some experience of working on projects or as part of a team. Evidence of publications in relevant areas and some knowledge of Latin and/or sociolinguistics are desirable, though relevant training will be provided for those with no previous experience of ancient world studies.

We warmly welcome applications from under-represented groups, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction. We are the first university to have achieved the Athena Swan Gold Award.

Shortlisting is anonymous. We cannot see any personal data or the ‘Additional Information’ section in your application until shortlisting is completed. Shortlisting is by criteria-based questions based on the role specification, rather than CV or letter.

This is a 48-month, fixed-term, part-time 0.5fte (18 hours per week), post commencing on 1 October 2026 or as soon thereafter until 30 September 2030, however we can accept a higher fte (maximum 36.25 hours per week) over a short duration (subject to further approval). The candidate will be expected to attend scheduled online and in-person meetings and events with relevant parties at the University, though extended periods of research may also be undertaken elsewhere in the UK.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Alex Mullen, email: Alex.Mullen@nottingham.ac.uk; please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 31 Mar 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)