2 Doctoral Researchers

The ERC Project (Consolidator Grant) “DERIVATE: “Retelling and Repetition: Towards a Literary History of Derivation” inquires into the practice of retelling as a springboard for conceptualising literary history in terms of a history of derivations. Starting from the premise that retelling is a transhistorical concept, the project sheds new light on the processes of reception that find their expression in the current interest in and relevance of premodern material as witnessed by the surge of retellings in contemporary English literature. The project triangulates (classical) reception studies, medieval literary studies as well as literary theory, especially postmodernist theory, and scrutinizes the practice of retelling premodern (ancient and medieval) texts in contemporary English literature.

We are looking for two PhD students specialising in English Literature, as demonstrated by an excellent Master’s degree. Expertise in another philology and comparative literature is desirable, as well as an interest in questions of theory (Classics; medieval literature; literary theory; narratology; reception studies; adaptation studies). The successful candidates are expected to develop and conduct a research project that focuses on a diachronic case study of either ancient or medieval material. In the project, the treatment or transformation of one (ancient or medieval) subject matter is traced over the centuries, in an exemplary manner, with a focus on selected examples from several periods. In the case of an ancient subject matter, an engagement with classical reception studies is expected; in the case of a medieval subject matter, an engagement with medievalism studies. The exact scope and outline of the dissertation is to be defined by the PhD students in collaboration with the PI.

The projects will be situated at the Department of English at the University of Freiburg, Germany, which offers an intellectually stimulating and vibrant environment for research and scholarly exchange. We are looking for candidates with great interpersonal skills who will engage actively in the discussions with the other members of the team, and who are excited by the prospect of diachronic and comparative work.

The doctoral researchers will carry out research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. They will be required to contribute to collaborative activities as part of the project DERIVATE, present their research at national and international conferences, and be involved in the organisation of events and workshops. A strong background and/or interest in interdisciplinary work is highly desirable.

Please submit the following documents as part of your application:

• Cover letter, outlining your motivation for applying and interest in the project
• CV, including list of publications (if applicable)
• (Copy of) your Master’s degree and transcript of records
• Letter of reference
• Research proposal (2-4 pages)
• Writing sample (e.g. the introduction or a chapter from your Master’s thesis; article)