Position Details
English, Drama and Creative Studies
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049, with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to October 2029 from February 2027
There are 2 positions available
Closing date: 22 November 2026
Background
These posts form part of 3-year AHRC-funded research grant, ‘Language Machines: the Arts & Humanities' Contributions to Artificial Intelligence Innovation’, led by Dr Rebecca Roach and with co-leads based at the University of Birmingham.
Language Machines addresses four linked challenges. Firstly, the significant contributions the Arts & Humanities (A&H) have made to Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation historically are poorly understood; Secondly, the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligences’ (GAI) transformations of our linguistic reading practices today, which require A&H expertise; thirdly, the language used to render AI today is inaccessible (high-level maths or metaphors of sentience), which impedes public understanding; Lastly, as a society we are missing out on the creative possibilities that the A&H offer for future AI innovation, usage, and regulation. The project looks both forward and back. The project’s historical component aims to recover the central (but occluded) role of the A&H in creating and analysing AI. It will map three innovative networks of experimenters working with language, meaning, reading, and machines at crucial moments before, during, and immediately after the advent of digital computing. The contemporary component utilises these historical discoveries as the basis for a series of experiments that analyse GAIs’ current reading practices, both to: develop key findings which articulate and champion the methods, expertise, and practical innovations that the A&H provide; and to utilise such innovation in the creative design and deployment of GAIs in future.
In keeping with the broad focus of the project, applicants with expertise in humanistic modes of enquiry, and interdisciplinary working, are encouraged to apply; specialism in twentieth-century British literature and culture, book history, archival research, quantitative methods, database development, and/or digital history are an advantage
Role Summary
- Work within the Language Machines project, and contribute to the generation of new knowledge
- Operate within the project’s areas of specialism
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results
Main Duties
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor
- Analyse and interpret research data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publications, research seminars, etc.
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, archival research, textual analysis and research interviews
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
Person Specification
- A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD level qualifications
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, theories, and methods, and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and to use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
Informal enquiries to Dr Rebecca Roach, email: r.roach@bham.ac.uk,
View our staff values and behaviours here
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
