项目介绍

2024年5月18日

Job description

This vacancy concerns a full-time PhD project to be conducted at the Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication at Ghent University, Belgium. This PhD research forms part of a larger project focusing on translations and paratexts. Specifically, the successful candidate will be studying paratextual representations of translators within francophone literatures. The main research objective is to explore how translators are represented, both by themselves and by other stakeholders, including authors, editors and critics, both in peritexts (e.g. forewords and afterwords in books) and in epitexts (e.g. reviews, interviews, websites, etc.). The central research question is how translators construct, combine and/or are assigned multiple roles and identities across several types of discourse? The research will predominantly concentrate on the modern period (19th century – the present day), with French featuring as either source or target language. Within this linguistic-temporal framework, there is considerable flexibility regarding the choice of authors, translators, and texts to be analysed. Also, if you will be studying a contemporary body of works, the scope of the research may include interviews with authors, translators, publishers and other literary agents.

Your research will be embedded in the activities of the TRACE-CLIV research group. The team is mainly based in Ghent and works in close collaboration with other research groups, both inside and outside of Ghent University (CCROC, CERES, CETRA, TRICS, CIRTI). While the research of its members covers a wide range of topics, it is usually situated on the intersection of literary studies and translation studies.

Your job responsibilities:

• Within a timespan of four years, you will write a PhD dissertation dealing with paratextual representations of translators in francophone literatures.
• You will share and disseminate your ideas and interim research results through high-quality publications in scholarly journals or books, as well as through presentations at international conferences or workshops.
• You are keen to contribute to initiatives aimed at sharing your research with a wider audience.
• You are open to collaborating with other PhD students inside and outside Ghent University who work on parallel and complementary research projects.

In addition to your core research duties, you will actively contribute to the educational mission of our institution by providing (limited) support for courses within the field of (literary) translation studies. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take on a mentoring role by supervising master’s theses related to the subject of your PhD.

Job offer:

We offer the opportunity to conduct this research in an international and stimulating environment. Ghent University consistently ranks among the best 100 universities in the world. Located in the heart of Europe, Ghent is a beautiful and welcoming city offering a wealth of cultural and leisure activities.

• You will work under the supervision of Prof. Francis Mus. Your working hours are flexible, and working from home is possible.
• Your immediate research context is the TRACE and CLIV research groups. You can also rely on good contacts with colleagues from other research groups, both within and outside of Ghent University. Throughout your journey, you can rely on guidance from a doctoral committee.
• Administratively, you will be part of the department’s French section, which is responsible for teaching French subjects in the department’s bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
• Your appointment is ideally scheduled to commence on 1 September 2024, although another starting date can be arranged upon consultation.
• Initially, the successful candidate will be offered a one-year contract, followed by an evaluation. After a positive assessment, the contract will be extended for an additional three years.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• The successful candidate will enjoy some of the benefits that Ghent University offers (such as a wide range of courses, reimbursement of your commute and eco vouchers). For a complete overview of employee benefits at Ghent University, see http://www.ugent.be/nl/vacatures/personnel benefits.htm;

Job profile

We are looking for a highly creative and motivated PhD student with the following qualifications and skills:

• You have (or will obtain before the starting date, i.e., a few months after application) a (European) master’s degree relevant for the research project (e.g. languages, literature, translation, cultural studies) with excellent (‘honours’-level) grades.
• You are familiar with the main methodologies and theoretical references in literary translation studies and comparative literature.
• You have strong analytical skills to interpret the research material.
• You are capable of working independently, possess organisational qualities and are a team player.
• Your command of English and French – both written and spoken – is fluent. Proficiency in Dutch will be deemed an asset, particularly for practical collaboration purposes.

How to apply

Send your application by e-mail to prof. Francis Mus (francis.mus@ugent.be), with the subject ‘Application: PhD paratexts’.

Applications (one pdf-file) should include:

• A motivation letter in Dutch, French or English, highlighting why you believe you are a suitable candidate for this PhD project and why you want this position;
• An academic/professional resume, including a transcript of your study results;
• A short overview describing your earlier research or technical work (e.g., scientific papers, master thesis, report on project work, etc.). Note: This may deviate from the topic of the advertised position;
• One sample text of your academic research until now (e.g. article, one chapter of your MA thesis, etc.);
• At least two reference contacts.

After a first screening, selected candidates will be invited for an interview (in person or remotely via MS Teams).

Application deadline: June 30, 2024.
Start of the Ph.D. research: September-October 2024