PhD Position: Medieval Literature 'Consent in Songs in European Narrative Traditions'

This PhD position at Radboud University offers an exciting opportunity to join the ERC-funded CONSENT project, focusing on the theme of sexual consent in medieval European narrative songs. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct an independent research project within the CONSENT team, investigating how song texts from the Rhine-Maas-Lorraine region (c. 1300-1430) contributed to positive scenarios for behaviour in sexual relationships and the importance of mutual consent. The project aims to unveil a consent-oriented aspect of late medieval culture, exploring how sociable song culture fostered new literary expressions of love and sexuality, often blending humour with serious courtly traditions. Your research will centre on a core corpus of manuscripts presented by Frank Willaert in 2021, mapping connections between the Rhine-Maas-Lorraine song culture and other European regions studied by the CONSENT team. You will be supervised by Prof. Johan Oosterman and Dr Cécile de Morrée at the Radboud Institute for Culture & History (RICH), and collaborate with a postdoctoral researcher in the department of Dutch Language and Culture. The Faculty of Arts at Radboud University is renowned for its interdisciplinary research in art, history, language, culture, and communication, providing a vibrant academic environment with over 500 staff and 2,500 students. As part of the Radboud Graduate School for the Humanities, you will devote time to training and academic services, and participate in teaching duties. You will present your findings in scholarly publications and at international conferences. The position offers a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) for 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The starting salary is €3,059 gross per month, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional benefits including holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, extra leave days, flexible working hours, sports and cultural discounts, pension plan, and professional development opportunities. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Dutch Literature, Medieval Studies, Comparative Literature, Cultural History, or a related discipline, or expect to complete the degree before 1 September 2026. Excellent knowledge of Middle Dutch and Middle Low German is required, with High German and Middle French as advantages. Skills in philology, codicology, palaeography, and Digital Humanities (network analysis and visualisation tools) are desirable. Strong command of Dutch and English, excellent writing skills, and preferably some knowledge of German are expected. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, addressing your letter to Dr Cécile de Morrée. Shortlisted candidates will complete an additional assignment, with interviews scheduled for June. The preferred start date is 1 September 2026, and the application deadline is 1 May 2026. Join Radboud University’s inclusive and dynamic academic community, dedicated to impactful research and education in the humanities.