Addendum
This document provides additional information relating to both specific aspects of the post/faculty and any post
specific person specification criteria. The information contained within this document should always be read in
conjunction with the accompanying generic Role Profile.
Job Title:
Research Assistant 0.5 FTE
Background Information/Relationships
Applications are invited for a research assistant to work on the project, Sensational Genres: Cultural
Networks in the Nineteenth-Century, currently in progress at the University of Surrey. The project
examines the relationship of nineteenth-century sensation novels to the allied, but under-researched
genre, the sensation play which was hugely popular across the Victorian stage during the 1860s and
1870s. The research assistant will undertake in-depth research in the Lord Chamberlain’s collection
of plays held at the British Library. This will include noting, annotating and some transcription of plays
written by sensation authors and playwrights, plays containing sensational plotlines, plays linking to
sensation novels, and plays featuring sensation writers as actors or directors. Further short periods
of research in other archives, including digital archives, may be undertaken.
Person Specification
This section describes the sum total of knowledge, experience & competence required by the post holder that
is necessary for standard acceptable performance in carrying out this role. This is in addition to the criteria
contained within the accompanying generic Role Profile.
Essential/
Desirable
First degree in a relevant area
E
PhD obtained or in progress; or significant research experience in the field
E
Excellent understanding of nineteenth-century literary and/or theatrical cultures
E
Experience of working with archives
E
Excellent communication skills
E
Knowledge of web design as the project seeks to create a ‘Forms of Sensation’ website
to collate the research findings
D
Special Requirements
N.B. The above list is not exhaustive.
Essential/
Desirable