PhD Position in History

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Project Overview

Are you interested in curiosity‑driven research and medieval literature? For the ERC project CONSENT, you will study the theme of sexual consent in medieval European narrative songs (c. 1300–1550).

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct an independent research project within the CONSENT team. The project aims to unveil a positive, consent-oriented part of late medieval culture by investigating how song texts helped medieval people explore positive scenarios for sexual behavior and discuss the importance of mutual consent.

Your research will focus on the courts of the Rhine-Maas-Lorraine region (c. 1300–1430), a region known for its sociable song culture where audiences actively participated. You will investigate how this culture gave rise to new literary expressions of love and sexuality, acting as conversation starters or role-playing games. The manuscript list by Frank Willaert (2021) will serve as your core corpus. You will also explore connections between this region and other European regions investigated by the CONSENT team.

You will conduct your research at RICH under the supervision of Prof. Johan Oosterman (thesis supervisor) and Dr. Cécile de Morrée (PI of CONSENT). You will write a PhD thesis, present your results in publications and conferences, and participate in training and academic services (~6 months). A small number of teaching hours are expected.

For more information about the PhD trajectory in general, contact Suzanne van de Liefvoort. For questions about this project, contact Cécile de Morrée.

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Candidate Profile

You are the right fit if you:

• Hold or are about to complete a Master’s degree in Dutch Literature, Medieval Studies, Comparative Literature, Cultural History, or a related discipline before 1 September 2026 (thesis must be graded before July 2026)
• Are a skilled philologist with excellent knowledge of Middle Dutch and Middle Low German language, literature, and culture; knowledge of High German and Middle French is an advantage
• Are a communicative team player who thrives in a collaborative research environment
• Have experience in codicological and palaeographical research or are willing to acquire these skills
• Have an affinity with Digital Humanities, especially network analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Nodegoat, Gephi)
• Can conduct independent research and present your findings in publications and international conferences
• Have a good command of Dutch and English, with excellent writing skills; knowledge of German is an advantage

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Employment Conditions

• Contract: Temporary (1.5 years), with a positive evaluation leading to an extension of 2.5 years (total 4-year contract)
• Salary: Starting €3,059 gross per month (38-hour week), increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year (Salary Scale P)
• Additional Benefits:
  • 8% holiday allowance
  • 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • Extra days off: choose between 30 or 41 annual leave days
  • Flexible working hours, work-from-home options
  • Exchange income for extra leave days, sports membership reimbursement
  • 34% discount on sports and cultural activities
  • Pension plan
  • Training and development schemes

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Work Environment

Radboud Institute for Culture & History (RICH):

• Dedicated to exploring past and present through culture, history, literature, and art
• Collaborates with academic and societal partners
• Project embedded in the research group Intercultural Dynamics, with collaboration between Dr. Cécile de Morrée, Prof. Johan Oosterman, and a postdoctoral researcher

Faculty of Arts:

• Over 500 academic and support staff
• Research and teaching in art, history, language, culture, and communication
• Embedded in the Centre for Language Studies (CLS) and RICH
• Approximately 2,500 students across three departments

Radboud University:

• Committed to high-quality research, education, and collaboration
• Inclusive community welcoming diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives

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Application Process

• Applications can be submitted only via the online application button
• Address your application to Dr. Cécile de Morrée
• Shortlisted applicants may complete an additional assignment
• First interviews: 4 June 2026
• Second interviews: 16 June 2026
• Preferred employment start date: 1 September 2026

Please note: Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Apply