Goldsmiths’ Professorship of English Literature

The Faculty of English intends to appoint to the Goldsmiths’ Professorship of English Literature with effect from 1 September 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. The Goldsmiths’ Professor is one of nine senior professors in the Faculty who assume a leadership role in its research, teaching and administration, and will also be a Professorial Fellow of New College.

Applications are sought from scholars of literature in English from 1900 to the present day. You will be a scholar of the highest international standing with an outstanding record of research and publication and the academic stature and intellectual drive decisively to shape the study of literature in English post 1900 at the University of Oxford for the next generation.

This post will help the Faculty to engage with some of the most prominent themes in research in modern and/or contemporary literature. The research focus might include comparative criticism, critical theory, translation, nationhood and identity, racial and religious difference, gender and sexuality, life-writing, literature and film, digital humanities, creative extensions of literary criticism, or international cultural connections. We would also hope to appoint a candidate who could provide leadership for innovation in research in twentieth and twenty-first century literature and culture. Interdisciplinary interests are particularly welcome.

You will be able to demonstrate an ability to teach, guide, and inspire students at all levels, including the capability and readiness to take on a central role in the Faculty’s graduate teaching in the period; a capacity and willingness to advise and mentor early career researchers and other colleagues; and an ability to attract funding and manage funded projects. You will also have a proven ability and readiness to undertake senior administrative duties and to play a role in the formation of academic strategy: the Goldsmiths’ Professor will be expected not only to assume senior roles in the administration of the Faculty but also to represent the Faculty in the University and the academic community at large.

Enquiries about the post should be addressed to the Chair of the English Faculty Board, Professor Marion Turner, at chair@ell.ox.ac.uk. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision.

Applications for this post are to be made online. To apply for this role and for further details about how to apply, including the job description and selection criteria, please see the further particulars document.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 UK time on Monday 16 January 2023. Interviews are likely to be held in late April 2023.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.


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