Research Fellow and Translator (Arabic Literary Theory) - School of Languages, Cultures, Art Hist...

University of Birmingham ,
Birmingham, West Midlands
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Position Details School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music; College of Arts and Law Location: It is intended that the post holder will carry out the duties of this role remotely from their home country. Full time starting salary will be in the range 30,942 to 36,914. Grade 7 Full Time (part time applications and/or splitting the position between two individuals will be considered) Fixed term - 6 months, renewable for up to 36 months. Closing date: June 9, 2020 Background The Arabic Research Fellow will contribute to the creation of knowledge relating to Islamic poetics by undertaking a specified range of activities, including in particular translation of classical Arabic works of literary theory and criticism into English, as part of the contribution to the ERC funded project 'Global Literary Theory: Caucasus Literatures Compared (GlobalLIT)'. The postholder will work from their home country, yet will have the benefits of a UK position, including library access and optional pension contributions. Proficiency in translating from classical Arabic will be determined by a timed test. Although this is intended as a full-time position for a single person, part time applications and/or splitting the position between two individuals will be considered. Summary of Role * Translation into English of classic texts of Arabic poetics and literary theory * Assist with compilation of anthology comprising primary sources of literary theory and poetics in the literatures of the Islamic world translated into English * Coordinate with project team and assist with Arabic-related issues in Persian and Turkic texts being translated * Gather Arabic texts and manuscripts that will enrich the anthology and related project outputs * Analyse and interpret research findings and results (as needed, and on request from the Principal Investigator, PI) Main Duties The responsibilities include the duties outlined below. * Translation from Arabic into English of texts selected by the Principal Investigator (PI) * Assist GlobalLIT team members in translating Arabic passages that occur in Persian and Turkic texts * Coordinate with the GlobalLIT team in the development of a methodology for translating the classical works on rhetoric and poetics from the Islamic world * Assist with the dissemination of project results to the Arab world and in Arabic * Help with obtaining books and relevant research materials relating to Arabic balagha * Help with coordination, support, and administration of tasks related to the project as needed and determined by the PI, including providing periodic reports on request * Help with finalizing project outputs, as needed and determined by the PI * Frequent and timely communication by email and other remote modes of communication as needed and determined by the PI Person Specification * PhD in Translation Studies, Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, or Comparative Literature * Extensive knowledge of Arabic literary theory and poetics ('ilm al-balagha) * Expertise in translating texts from classical Arabic * Fluency in English and familiarity with Anglophone rhetorical norms and knowledge of Anglophone poetics * Native or near-native Arabic and familiarity with the world of contemporary Arabic publishing will be an asset * Preferred but not required: publications in the area of literary interactions in pre-modern Middle East * Preferred but not required: fluency/advanced reading knowledge of classical Persian and/or Ottoman Turkish or another literary language of the Islamic world * Ability to synthesize research findings * Attention to detail, as manifested by the ability to incorporate feedback, and to generate charts and tables to deal with challenges arising in the team's translation work * Knowledge of poetry (including various metrical systems) * Expertise in critical theory and/or in the field of Translation Studies * Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes * Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

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