PhD Position on Medieval Representations of Disability within the Project DISMANTLE

Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the Vidi research project ‘DISMANTLE: Disability and Mobility Aids in Northwestern-European Textual, Literary and Artistic Evidence, 1100-1500’. This innovative project, directed by Dr. K.A. Milne and co-supervised by Prof. dr. S.P.M. Bussels, aims to assemble and analyse a large corpus of medieval literary and visual representations of disability aids, such as crutches and walking sticks, from the UK, France, Belgium, and The Netherlands. The PhD project will focus on the intersections of class, gender, and disability, contributing to the creation and analysis of the project corpus using online databases, digitised manuscripts, and in-person manuscript consultation. The successful candidate will write a dissertation examining the date, region, and markers of gender and class among the representations in the corpus. Responsibilities include sharing research findings at academic conferences, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and participating in project meetings, PhD training programmes, and the intellectual life of the institute. There may also be opportunities for teaching in the later years of the PhD, depending on progress and demand. Applicants must hold an MA or ResMA with a specialisation in medieval English, French, or Dutch literature or in medieval art history, with a grade of 8.0 or above (or international equivalent). Experience in disability studies, manuscript studies, corpus-based or quantitative methodologies, or medieval book or art history is an asset. Full professional working proficiency in English is required, as is experience with medieval vernaculars (Middle English, Old/Middle French, or Middle Dutch). Experience with medieval Latin or willingness to learn is expected. Additional language skills in Dutch or French and experience publishing in international journals are considered assets. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical, research, and time-management skills, and be able to complete the PhD in 4 years full-time (or 5 years at 0.8 fte). International candidates must be willing and able to relocate to the Netherlands for the duration of the project. The position offers a salary from €3,059 gross per month in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year (full-time), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The benefits package includes 8% holiday and 8.3% end-of-year bonuses, training and career development, and a possible tax break for international candidates. The initial contract is for 14 months, with extension upon positive evaluation. The starting date is 1 September 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Leiden University online recruitment system by 15 April 2026. Required documents include a letter of application, CV, diversity statement, names and contact information for two referees, a copy of your MA thesis or writing sample, and relevant course assessments. For further information, contact Dr. K.A. Milne at [email protected]. More details about the institute and university can be found at the provided links.