Université de Caen Normandie
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36-Month Postdoctoral Fellowship: Punch’s Pocket Book Archive Université de Caen Normandie in France
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Art
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
France
University
Université de Caen Normandie
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About this position
This postdoctoral fellowship is part of Punch’s Pocket Book Archive, an international digital project devoted to creating a fully searchable archive of the complete run of Punch’s Pocket Book (1843–1881), the annual companion to Punch, or the London Charivari. The project works with surviving copies held across several major collections, including the British Library, Sambourne House Museum, a private collection, and the Robert D. Farber Archives and Special Collections Library at Brandeis University.
The research combines literary, historical, and visual analysis with digital scholarship. The successful postdoctoral researcher will help collect, classify, and analyse data from scanned pages; study the publication’s structure and contents; conduct research in material archives on reception, circulation, and users’ annotations; and contribute to text and image annotation for the full corpus. The role also includes producing two single-author articles or papers, contributing to collaborative publications, and supporting the organisation of research events in Caen and the UK.
The fellowship is hosted by Université de Caen Normandie and affiliated with the HISTEME research unit (Histoire-Territoires-Mémoires, UR 7455). It is led by Pr. Françoise Baillet and developed with Victorian press specialists at Caen and Manchester Metropolitan University. The project sits at the intersection of periodical studies, Victorian cultural history, nineteenth-century literature, graphic arts, and digital methodologies, within an international research network and an expanding online archive.
The work is connected to a broader project environment that includes a pilot website and planned events with the Research Society for Victorian Periodicals. A significant part of the postdoctoral researcher’s activity will be undertaken online, while also engaging with archives and research collaboration in France and abroad.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent, specifically a PhD in English Studies or a related discipline. Required skills include doctoral-level expertise in nineteenth-century anglophone literature or history, with knowledge of art history considered an advantage; applications are especially encouraged from candidates whose work involves the Victorian press. Excellent written and spoken English and good French are required, along with the ability to conduct field research, including archives and interviews. The PhD defence must have occurred no earlier than 1 February 2024, or, if not yet defended, must be scheduled before 31 December 2026.
How to apply
Prepare a single PDF containing a CV, a cover letter explaining your contribution to the project, a sample of academic work, proof of PhD defence status, and two reference letters. Send the file by email to [email protected].
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.