Youri Desplenter

Ghent University, in collaboration with Leiden University, is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Middle Dutch literature, codicology, and digital humanities. The successful candidate will join the FWO project "The origin of the Bible in Dutch," focusing on the earliest Middle Dutch translations of biblical texts (1200–1350), with a special emphasis on the oldest Middle Dutch translation of the Apocalypse. The research will involve studying textual witnesses, building a database, and situating the texts within broader cultural, linguistic, and international contexts. The project is embedded in a vibrant interdisciplinary network, including the Henri Pirenne Institute for Medieval Studies (HPIMS), GEMS, the Medieval and Early Modern Studies cluster at LUCAS (Leiden University Centre for Arts in Society), and the Ghent Centre for Digital Humanities. The research team is also connected to the COST Action Prayticipate. The PhD candidate will benefit from a dynamic, international research environment and will be part of a joint PhD program with Leiden University. Key responsibilities include contributing to the setup and analysis of a database of early Middle Dutch biblical translations, conducting research on the oldest Middle Dutch Apocalypse translation, presenting findings at conferences, organizing academic events, and writing peer-reviewed articles and a dissertation. Occasional teaching support within the Department of Literature at Ghent University may be required. Applicants must have a (Research) Master's degree in (Dutch) linguistics and literature, book history, cultural studies, digital humanities, religious studies, or a related field, with demonstrable knowledge of codicology and Middle Dutch. Strong research, analytical, and writing skills are essential. Candidates should be willing to travel, spend up to 6 months at Leiden University, and possess excellent English proficiency and reading skills in French and German. Experience with paleography and digital humanities is desirable, and knowledge of late medieval religious culture is a plus. The position offers a full-time doctoral scholarship for up to 48 months, with an initial 12-month contract extendable upon positive evaluation. The scholarship is tax-free, includes full social coverage, 36 days of paid leave, and various training opportunities. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. For more information, contact Prof. dr. Youri Desplenter ([email protected]) or Dr. Anna Dlabačová ([email protected]).

Ghent University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in Middle Dutch Bible translations and literary studies, situated within the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Department of Literary Studies. The role is part of the FWO research project 'Tracing the Origins of the Bible in Dutch: The Earliest Middle Dutch Translations of Biblical Texts (c. 1200–1350)', led by Prof. Youri Desplenter (Ghent University) and co-supervised by Dr. Anna Dlabačová (Leiden University). The project is embedded in the Henri Pirenne Institute for Medieval Studies (HPIMS), GEMS, and the Medieval and Early Modern Studies cluster of LUCAS at Leiden University, with close connections to the COST Action Prayticipate and collaboration with the Ghent Centre for Digital Humanities. The research focuses on the earliest Middle Dutch translations of biblical texts, including the Gospels, Life of Jesus, Psalms, and Apocalypse, produced mainly in the thirteenth century in Flanders. The project aims to provide a coherent overview of Bible translation in the Low Countries during this period, examining whether these translations are interconnected, their origins, and their relationship to other Middle Dutch texts such as Jacob van Maerlant’s Rijmbijbel. The postdoctoral researcher will work primarily on the subproject 'The Earliest Middle Dutch Translation of the Four Gospels in Co-text and Context and Its Reception History', comparing Middle Dutch versions with other vernacular languages, studying their religious, intellectual, and socio-cultural contexts, and analyzing textual transmission. Key responsibilities include contributing to the project database, conducting independent research, presenting at conferences, organizing workshops and an international conference, publishing peer-reviewed articles, and supporting teaching activities. The position offers a part-time (40%) contract of indefinite duration, starting from 1 September 2026 at the earliest, with remuneration according to salary scale PD1 to PD4 and access to Ghent University staff benefits such as training opportunities, holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. Applicants must hold a PhD in Middle Dutch literature, medieval studies, book history, or a related field, preferably with expertise in late medieval literature, manuscript studies, and/or religion. Strong research skills, excellent command of Dutch and English, reading proficiency in Middle Dutch, French, and German, experience with codicology and palaeography, and interest in digital humanities (preferably with programming skills in Python) are required. International candidates are encouraged to apply and must be willing to relocate to Belgium. To apply, submit your application online via the Ghent University e-recruitment system before 30 June 2026. Required documents include your CV and academic transcript (merged PDF), cover letter (PDF), diploma transcript (with translation if needed), contact details of three referees, and a short research proposal (max. 1 page). Late or email applications will not be accepted. For further information, contact Prof. Youri Desplenter at [email protected].