At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien's literary legacy.
- Company: Magdalen College, part of the prestigious University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, sports facilities, and generous research funds.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for public engagement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in literary scholarship while engaging with public audiences.
- Qualifications: PhD in English Language and Literature or nearing completion required.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 42894 £ per year.
Magdalen College proposes to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the project C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien: A Scholarly Reappraisal, led by Professor Simon Horobin (Magdalen College) and Professor Giuseppe Pezzini (Corpus Christi College), based at the Calleva Research Centre. The post will commence on 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be for three calendar years.
The Calleva Research Centre at Magdalen College was founded in 2010. Its work promotes deeper understanding of the origins, development, causes, and functions of human behaviour, as well as the grand challenges faced by humanity.
This project aims to undertake a reassessment of the scholarly legacy of C.S. Lewis in the context of his professional, intellectual and personal relationships with J.R.R. Tolkien. The project aims to situate Lewis’s published works of literary and linguistic criticism within their historical and theoretical contexts, with a particular focus on the cross-fertilisation with J.R.R. Tolkien’s own ideas and contributions, and assess their impact on later scholarship.
We are seeking one qualified and highly motivated individual for a Postdoctoral Researcher post to work full-time on this project, contributing to the extensive programme of research into C.S. Lewis’s reading and writing, his academic archives, as well as the works of the scholars and groups with which he engaged, including especially J.R.R. Tolkien. This appointee will also contribute to an extensive survey of printed reviews and relevant secondary literature of Lewis’s major scholarly outputs.
The postholder will join a stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment, and will gain experience in translating academic research for public audiences. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for research activities such as:
- Collecting and analysing historical and literary data
- Carrying out archival research
- Communicating with academics and non-academics
- Liaising with librarians and exhibition curators
- Preparation of manuscripts for publication
Responsibilities and duties include:
- Manage own academic research and administrative activities related to the project
- Work collaboratively with colleagues from other disciplines
- Contribute to a co-authored volume on Lewis’s academic legacy
- Organise public engagement events in Magdalen, the wider University and City
- Work with the Magdalen College Outreach office to organise and run events for school groups, external visitors and local organisations
- Share results of the project at international conferences
- Undertake any other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required by the Principal Investigator
Essential skills, knowledge and expertise:
- Candidates should hold, or be close to completion of, a doctorate in English Language and Literature
- Established interest in and experience of Public Engagement activities
- Evidence of ability to write for academic and non-academic audiences
- Experience of independently managing a discrete research project
- Good inter-personal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting
- Excellent communication skills
- Evidence of interest and expertise in the works of C.S. Lewis and/or J.R.R. Tolkien
- Evidence of interest and expertise in Medieval and/or Early Modern Language and Literature
The appointment will be made on Grade 7.4 of the Unified College Pay Scale, currently £41,064 per annum, plus £1,730 per annum Oxford Location Allowance. Benefits include five free meals in College each week, access to generous research funds, and entitlement to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply Now' button. The closing date is on Sunday 7 June 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 29 June 2026.
Magdalen College is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Calleva Centre Postdoctoral Researcher- C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien: A Scholarly Reappraisal in Oxford employer: Magdalen College
Magdalen College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment at the prestigious Calleva Research Centre in Oxford. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the College provides generous benefits including competitive pay, free meals, access to sports facilities, and enhanced family leave policies, fostering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and public engagement. This role not only allows for significant academic contributions but also encourages participation in community outreach, making it a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about literary scholarship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Calleva Centre Postdoctoral Researcher- C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien: A Scholarly Reappraisal in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to academics and professionals in your field, especially those connected to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Attend conferences or seminars where you can chat with them and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to speak about your research interests, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for Lewis and Tolkien. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the subject matter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your research and public engagement experience. We all know that confidence is key, so rehearse your answers and be ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Magdalen College and contributing to this exciting project.
We think you need these skills to ace Calleva Centre Postdoctoral Researcher- C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien: A Scholarly Reappraisal in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien shine through! We want to see how your interests align with the project, so don’t hold back on sharing what excites you about their works.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in literary research and public engagement. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to manage research projects and communicate findings effectively, so showcase those skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your academic background and how it relates to the project. We love a good story, so weave in your journey and motivations!
Follow Application Instructions:Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Apply through our website and ensure all required documents are included. Late or incomplete applications won’t be accepted, so double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Magdalen College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Brush up on their literary contributions, especially how they intersect with each other. This will not only show your passion but also your preparedness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous research projects and how you managed them independently. Highlight any experience you have with archival research or public engagement activities, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the Calleva Research Centre. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting your research findings in a way that’s accessible to both academic and non-academic audiences. Clear communication is essential, so consider how you can convey complex ideas simply and engagingly.
