PhD Position: Friese literatuur en samenleving

at  Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

We are offering a 48-month PhD position (full time, 1.0 fte) within the field of modern Frisian and Dutch literature. Supervisors are prof. dr. Arjen Versloot and prof. dr. Mathijs Sanders (University of Groningen). The appointed candidate will preferably have an expertise in Literary Studies and Dutch and/or Frisian literature and culture, with particular regard to the functions of literature in society, as well as a strong interest in working within an interdisciplinary and multilingual context.
The research is in line with current trends in literary studies and Frisian and Dutch literature. Proposals relate to twentieth- and/or twenty-first-century Frisian and/or multilingual literature in Fryslân and connect to one of the following lines of research: (1) the literary infrastructure (institutional approaches to literature in a social, political and/or diplomatic context), (2) literature and performativity (performing arts, oral literature, literature in public spaces), (3) comparative literary studies (influence studies, multilingual contexts, translations, relations between Frisian and Dutch literature).
This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to work in an international research environment as well as to acquire valuable teaching experience: the PhD candidate is expected to conduct a total of 0.4 fte teaching during the second, third and fourth year of their appointment.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Carrying out a research project described above in collaboration with the supervisors.
• Presenting research results at workshops and conferences, and publishing academic articles.
• Engaging in public outreach and knowledge utilization activities related to the project.
• Participating in regular meetings with the supervisors, and in the context of the national research school(s) and the research institute ICOG (RUG).
• Conducting a total of 0.4 FTE teaching spread throughout the second, third and fourth year of their appointment.

Organisation
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative university offering high-quality teaching and research. Its 27,000 students are encouraged to develop their own individual talents through challenging study- and career paths. The University of Groningen is an international centre of knowledge: It belongs to the best research universities in Europe and is allied with prestigious partner universities and networks worldwide.
The Faculty of Arts is a large, dynamic faculty in the heart of the city of Groningen. It has more than 5000 students and 700 staff members, who are working at the frontiers of knowledge every day. The Faculty offers a wide range of degree programmes: 15 Bachelor’s programmes and over 35 Master’s specialisations. Our research, which is internationally widely acclaimed, covers Archaeology, Cultural Studies, History, International Relations, Language and Literary Studies, Linguistics and Media and Journalism Studies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• (Research) MA degree in Literary Studies, History, Cultural Studies, or another related discipline.
• A demonstrable interest and expertise in literary studies.
• Excellent research skills (as shown, for instance, by the candidate’s MA thesis).
• Excellent command of Dutch and Frisian; proficiency in English is highly desirable.
• A strong interest in collaborative research and interdisciplinary dialogue.
• Enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences.

• Carrying out a research project described above in collaboration with the supervisors.
• Presenting research results at workshops and conferences, and publishing academic articles.
• Engaging in public outreach and knowledge utilization activities related to the project.
• Participating in regular meetings with the supervisors, and in the context of the national research school(s) and the research institute ICOG (RUG).
• Conducting a total of 0.4 FTE teaching spread throughout the second, third and fourth year of their appointment