Lecturer in Book History
Job Description
The University of London
The University of London is both the UK’s largest provider of international distance and online learning and the convenor of a federation of 17 renowned higher education institutions. The University is also home to the School of Advanced Study, which has a national role in championing research, teaching and public engagement in the humanities and social sciences. Through its institutes, libraries, special collections and archives, and the University of London Press, it fosters communities of researchers, scholars and practitioners who are change-makers and committed to making a difference in people’s lives.
The School's mission is to be a powerful agent of and for change across disciplines and borders, nurturing research, scholarship, and practice that are innovative, inclusive and impactful. Its vision is of a world where knowledge and understanding, rooted in the humanities and social sciences and enriched by related disciplines, enable people and societies to flourish.
Since 1858, the University of London has expanded access to world-class higher education. Today, around 40,000 students in more than 190 countries are part of our global learning community. Across the wider federation, more than 250,000 learners and 50,000 staff collaborate to deliver high-quality research and education across all disciplines.
By working together across the federation, we extend the benefits of outstanding education, research and resources to learners and researchers across the UK and around the world.
The Institute of English Studies
The Institute of English Studies (IES) is one of eight member institutes of the School of Advanced Study, University of London. The IES is a unique centre for research, teaching and advocacy that speaks both for and about books, specialising in the history of the book, manuscript and print studies, textual scholarship, digital editing and new critical approaches to literary history. Its constellation of expertise and distinctive teaching profile places it at the forefront of book history in the UK. The IES also perform a vital advocacy role, championing the study of English within the academy and beyond. As English Studies responds to the challenges and opportunities of the twenty first century, the IES is working to shape the conversation about its future.
Alongside its cutting-edge MA/MRes programme in the history of the book, the IES run two major international summer schools providing research training in book history and manuscript studies, supplemented by short courses and online provision. It supports its intellectual community, at all career stages, through research training, seminars, conferences, workshops, and fellowship programme, and champions innovative and inclusive research in English Studies. The IES works closely with a dynamic network of partners, including world-leading libraries, creative practitioners, museums, archives, rare book dealers, learned societies, and subject organisations.
The Role
The Institute of English Studies is seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Book History on 2-year, fixed term basis. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of the postgraduate and research training programmes, including the MA/MRes in the History of the Book and the Institute’s programme of short courses and seasonal schools, including the London Rare Books School. The successful candidate will be expected to assist with and in due course lead in the development of the Institute’s research training provision, particularly with regards to short courses, micro-credentials and online and distance learning. The successful candidate will support the Institute’s national mission to advocate for and to promote and facilitate research and public engagement in English Studies, and contribute to collaborative work with other Institutes in the School of Advanced Study and with external partners.
Applicants with an established research record appropriate to their career stage in any area or period of book history are welcome to apply, but we are particularly looking to expand our research expertise and training provision in one or more of the following areas: global book history; editing and textual criticism; publishing and the cultures of the book.
For a full role profile, please refer to the job description below.
Further Information
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application and CV (by clicking ‘apply for job’ at the bottom of this page) before the closing date at midnight on 13 November 2026.
We anticipate candidates to start in January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to notice periods.
Candidates are welcome to contact Andrew Nash at Andrew.Nash@sas.ac.uk to arrange an informal conversation before applying.
The University reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the published end date should it receive sufficient applications to warrant earlier shortlisting.
The University currently operates a Hybrid Working framework involving a mix of working remotely and in the office. Typically, the majority of employees will be able to agree to work remotely for up to 60% of their working week, role dependent, however will be required to attend on specific days for training or team meetings.
The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under-represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description.
Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.
