University of Cambridge, Research Assistant/Associate in Heritage Science

JOB OPPORTUNITY
University of Cambridge, Research Assistant/Associate in Heritage Science (Fixed Term)
Small performances: investigating the typographic punches of John Baskerville (1707-75) through heritage science and practice- based research
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 14 months in the first instance.

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term Research Associate in Heritage Science. The post holder will work as part of the AHRC-funded project: "Small performances": investigating the typographic punches of John Baskerville (1707-75) through heritage science and practice- based research, led by Marcos Martinón-Torres jointly with Co-Investigators Caroline Archer (Birmingham City University), Ann-Marie Carey (Birmingham City University) and Maciej Pawlikowski (Cambridge University Library).

This is a unique opportunity to join a leading team of archaeological and heritage scientists around the newly- refurbished Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH). We seek a rigorous, creative and collaborative researcher who is keen to both benefit from, and contribute to, our critical mass. The post holder is expected to work primarily at the McDonald Institute and the University Library in Cambridge but also including brief trips to Birmingham and other locations. Key responsibilities will include the geometric morphometric analysis of typographic punches and printed letters, in addition to contributions to engagement with craftspeople, typeface designers, and the broader public. The Research Assistant/Associate in Heritage Science will lead on the 2D GMM analysis of letter outlines extracted from high-resolution photographs of the faces of typographic punches, and of relevant printed pages from Baskerville and other printers. They will assess and compare issues such as standardisation, print reproducibility, scaling methods, and variability in letter quality within and between books.

Closing date 14 February 2025.  More information and an application form here.