Phd Candidate In The Nwo Vidi Project 'Lettercraft And Epistolary Performance In Early Medieval Europe, 476-751 Ce'

Performance in Early Medieval Europe, 476-751 CE'

Job description

We are looking for two researchers (1 PhD candidate and 1 Postdoc) to form the team of the VIDI project Lettercraft and Epistolary Performance in Early Medieval Europe, 476–751 CE, granted to dr. Robert Flierman and running from 2023-2027.

The project studies how early medieval societies used the letter and who were among its users. It approaches the early medieval letter as a performative medium that had to be carried through space and was read out aloud, translated and circulated in public. It thus sees the medieval letter as a far more inclusive medium than is commonly assumed on the basis of textual qualities. Literacy or social status were not required to participate in what the project calls lettercraft, i.e. the various performative actions (e.g. travelling, delivering, listening, speaking, negotiating, gossiping) that along with writing and reading made up epistolary communication. The project explores the practical mechanics of such communication, as well as its social and political uses, e.g. as an instrument of conflict-resolution and community-building.

A full description of the project and subprojects can be obtained from dr. Robert Flierman, [email protected]

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct a case study of the consensus-building powers of lettercraft in the context of Merovingian episcopal successions (subproject 3).

Qualifications

We are looking for an excellent and enthusiastic researcher who is eager to work in a research-team and fulfil the following requirements:

Offer This is an appointment of 1 fte for the duration of eighteen months. with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. About the organization A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. Additional information For more information about this position, please contact: Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

The application deadline is 12/03/2023