Oschinsky Research Associate

The Oschinsky Research Associate is a new research position established by Cambridge University Library in collaboration with Girton Collegein memory of the distinguished medieval historian Dr Dorothea Oschinsky (1910-1995).

Born in Silesia, she completed doctoral research in Breslau in the 1930s but was prevented from taking her degree because she was of Jewish descent. On moving to Britain, she undertook a PhD in medieval English economic history at the London School of Economics supervised by former fellow of Girton, Eileen Power, and Eleanora Carus-Wilson. During the Second World War, she was based in Cambridge and made extensive use of the University Library collections. in 1946, she moved to Liverpool University to teach archival science and palaeography where she remained for the rest of her career, training and inspiring generations of archivists in the study of local records. On retirement, she returned to Cambridge and continued her research in the University Library.

The object of the Oschinsky research associateship is to honour her legacy by sponsoring research into any aspect of the University Library's collections relating to its medieval manuscripts or medieval archive collections, including their palaeography, diplomatic or codicology. The Library's medieval manuscript collections include manuscripts in Arabic, Hebrew and other Middle Eastern languages as well as Latin and European vernaculars. Medieval archives and records held by the Library include the University Archives, the Dean and Chapter Archives of Peterborough and Ely, the Ely Diocesan Records and several collections of estate papers. The proposed research must be of clear benefit to scholars using the collections in the future.

Apply for Oschinsky Research Associate (2024-25)

Applications are now invited for the Oschinsky Research Associateship for the tenure of 1 October 2024 to 31 July 2025 in collaboration with Girton College.

The Oschinsky Research Associate will be free to pursue research of their choosing in any aspect of the University Library's collections relating to its medieval manuscripts or medieval archive collections, including their palaeography, diplomatic or codicology. The Library's medieval collections include manuscripts in Arabic, Hebrew and other Middle Eastern languages as well as Latin and European vernaculars. The proposed research should be of benefit to scholars using the collections in the future.

The Fellow will also be expected to participate fully in the life and activities of the University Library, e.g. through participation in the Library's Research Institute and public engagement programme (comprising activities such as talks, seminars, displays, participation in social media, and other events). It is expected that a non-stipendiary fellowship at Girton College will be offered to the successful candidate.

Salary: £39,347 (pro-rata)

Closing date: 7 January 2024

Interview date: 14 February 2024, online

Enquiries can be sent to Dr Suzanne Paul, Keeper of Rare Books and Early Manuscripts (sp510@cam.ac.uk).