ESPRit is pleased to share details of a new fully-funded Joint Doctoral Studentship between the Université Bourgogne Europe (UBE) and the University of Glasgow, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) as part of the DECADOCS programme.

The project

This PhD — Decadence in Translations: Translating for, and in French and British Periodicals, 1880–1914. Corpora, Translators, and Translational Aesthetics — will investigate the publication of translations in French and English literary periodicals from 1880 to 1914 in relation to the concept of Decadence.

The successful candidate will contribute to:

• the creation of a database of translation material across 1,000 French and British periodicals

• a prosopography and interactive map of translators (including women translators)

• the development of criteria for “decadent translation” to enrich translation studies and professional competencies.

Supervision will be jointly provided by Prof. Bénédicte Coste (UBE) and Dr Matthew Creasy (University of Glasgow). The researcher will spend 2025–2027 in Dijon and 2028–2029 in Glasgow, with additional secondments at IMEC (Abbaye d’Ardennes) and Cadenza Academic Translations (Exeter, UK).

This project is part of the DECADOCS network, involving 10 Universities across Europe. In addition to local supervision and support, the successful candidate will also benefit from an extensive programme of doctoral training and access to an interdisciplinary network of scholars and researchers exploring different aspects of Decadence from the nineteenth century to the present. This includes opportunities for presentation at conferences and the publication of scholarly outputs.

Key Dates & Information

🗓️ Application deadline: 20 October 2025
🎤 Online interviews: 17–22 November 2025
🎓 Start date: as soon as possible
📍 Location: Université Bourgogne Europe & University of Glasgow, with secondments in Caen and Exeter

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their motivation and relevant competencies, a current CV with details of BA and MA degrees, copies of diplomas and transcripts, and the contact information of two academic referees. Required documents also include evidence of English proficiency (such as a sample of academic writing from the MA), an additional writing sample, proof of identity, and a signed Declaration of Honour confirming eligibility. (see full details below).

🔗 Full project description and application details: https://decadocs.blog/research-project-5/

📧 Applications should be sent to Prof. Bénédicte Coste: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.