Research Assistant
Project: Translation in Nineteenth-Century Ireland
School of Languages
Ref. No. NUIG 8-14
The National University of Ireland, Galway is seeking to fill a full-time, fixed term Research
Assistant position for the project ‘Translation in Nineteenth-Century Ireland’. The position is
funded by the Irish Research Council, under the Research Projects Grants Scheme, 2013.
The post is available from 1st March 2014 to 28th February, 2015.
The Research Assistant will be based in the new Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Research Building (AHSSRB) - an exciting new initiative, which provides an opportunity to
develop collaborative research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Translation in Nineteenth-Century Ireland
This project will involve an in-depth study of translation and translators in nineteenth-century
Ireland. It will use translation history to widen our understanding of cultural exchange in this
period, and will create new perspectives on historical, political and cultural debates of the
era. Through three work packages, the project will consider some of the most important
features of Irish translation in the nineteenth century: the impact of translation on emergent
nationalism; the active participation of important figures of Irish cultural nationalism in
translation; and the close relationship between translation and religious endeavours in this
period. This project will assess how translation was used for informative, creative or
transformative purposes. Starting from an initial analysis of linguistic transfer, studied
systematically through empirical and textual research, the project will explore cross-cultural
transfer and transformation in Ireland. A multilingual team of researchers will be assembled
to work closely and collaboratively on the interdisciplinary study, identifying distinctly Irish
trends in translation. The findings of the research will be disseminated in an innovative
manner in order to maximize impact and promote languages and translation in Ireland.
Job Description
The research assistant will work on primary sources relating to translation in nineteenthcentury Ireland, in particular the Nation newspaper and similar publications from the era. The
researcher will work on the assembly of statistical information relating to translation and will
also conduct in-depth analysis of data. The successful applicant will be joining a dynamic
research team, which also includes a postdoctoral researcher.
The work of the research assistant includes the following duties:
a) Analysis of translation in Nation and other similar publications.
b) Compilation of statistical information, creation of database on translations and
translators
c) Creation of charts for trends and cluster.
d) Data analysis.
e) Compilation of biographical information on translators.
f) Contribution to the project website.
g) Contribution to translation courses.
h) Report writing, including reviews of the literature.
i) Assistance with funding applications
j) Associated administrative duties, especially relating to outreach activities.
Qualifications
Suitable candidates must meet the following criteria:
 M.A. in Translation or Nineteenth-century Irish History
 Excellent knowledge of at least 2 and preferably 3 of the following languages:
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Irish, Latin.
 Excellent knowledge of translation studies and nineteenth-century Ireland
 Significant experience of historical research
 Experience of research report-writing, and very good writing skills
 Ability to work very well both collaboratively and independently
 Highly motivated, with excellent organisational skills
It is also desirable that suitable candidates would have experience in some or all of the
following areas
 Experience of archival research
 Experience of quantitative research
 Excellent IT skills
 Excellent writing skills
The holder of the post will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Anne O’Connor, Principal
Investigator of the project.
Salary: €19,655 per annum
apply
(public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
Start: 1st March 2014
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI
Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further informal enquiries concerning this position may be made by contacting Dr. Anne
O’Connor anne.oconnor@nuigalway.ie
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should
be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to martha.shaughnessy@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 8-14 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Friday 31st January 2014.
The National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.