Call for Applications: Fully Funded PhD in Digital Research on Medieval Anti-Heretical Hate Speech

Are you passionate about medieval history, the study of religion, and innovative digital methods? The Dissident Networks Project (DISSINET) at Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic) invites applications for a fully funded four-year PhD position in the Study of Religions, focused on digital and quantitative research into medieval anti-heretical hate speech.

This exciting opportunity allows candidates to explore how medieval Christian authors used hostile language to marginalize and delegitimize heterodox groups. The project seeks to uncover broader patterns and trends in such rhetoric over time, using computational tools and historical analysis.

Successful candidates will:

• Study Latin anti-heretical sources and relevant historiography;
• Annotate hate speech in these texts using a specialized digital platform;
• Co-author and lead peer-reviewed publications that will form the basis of an article-based dissertation.

Applicants should be M.A. graduates (or expect to graduate by 31 January 2026) with backgrounds in fields such as medieval studies, history, religious studies, Latin philology, or related disciplines. We are looking for candidates who possess:

• Excellent reading competence in Latin;
• Skills in historical research and academic writing;
• A digital-friendly mindset (no prior experience with digital tools required);
• Proficiency in English at C1 level or above.

We do not require prior specialization in medieval heresy, hate speech, or digital humanities.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive individual mentorship throughout the application and PhD process;
• Strong institutional support and a successful track record in research funding;
• Training and experience in computational history and digital humanities;
• Participation in interdisciplinary, high-impact research publications;
• A friendly, dynamic working environment in an international team;
• Competitive funding of approx. 25,000 CZK/month net (well-suited to Brno’s living costs).

Application Process:

To apply for initial consideration, please submit the following by 31 July 2025:

• Your CV;
• A brief preliminary research proposal (approx. 1 page);
• An academic writing sample authored by you.

Send all materials to Prof. Dr. David Zbíral (david.zbiral@mail.muni.cz). Pre-selected candidates will be invited to complete an online Latin translation test and a digital data entry test. Those who pass will receive full support in developing a competitive PhD proposal for submission by the official deadline of 30 September 2025.