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PhD Position in Literary Self-translation from and into Ukrainian

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 13788
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    15-03-2025
Apply

PhD Position in Literary Self-translation from and into Ukrainian

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 13788
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    15-03-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Come work with us

The PhD project is associated with an ongoing research project at ARTES about the translation activities of the Ukrainian writer and intellectual Ivan Franko (1856-1916). In your research, you will use Franko's 'self-translation' activities as a base for a larger investigation into the history of literary self-translation as a multilingual and intercultural practice in Ukraine. It is a well-known fact that Franko wrote and published a large number of texts (including two novels) first in Polish and then translated them into Ukrainian or vice versa. He also translated some of his texts from and into German. Interesting questions you are going to research are: what is the motivation behind such self-translations against the background of the central or peripheral position of languages in the Danube monarchy? What translation strategies characterise this practice and what relationship exists in this respect between Franko's self-translations and the rest of his translation oeuvre?
In the next stage of your PhD project, you will try to find out to what extent the practice of self-translation is continued after the fall of the Danube monarchy, firstly in the language pairs Ukrainian-German and/or Ukrainian-Polish, secondly - and especially after World War II - for Ukrainian-Russian. In view of the feasibility of the PhD project (completion of the dissertation in 2029), it is advisable that you limit yourself to three interconnected case studies: the first on Franko, the second on a self-translator between the World Wars, the third on self-translation in the period from the mid-twentieth century to the present.

Working at the UvA

Come work with us

The PhD project is associated with an ongoing research project at ARTES about the translation activities of the Ukrainian writer and intellectual Ivan Franko (1856-1916). In your research, you will use Franko's 'self-translation' activities as a base for a larger investigation into the history of literary self-translation as a multilingual and intercultural practice in Ukraine. It is a well-known fact that Franko wrote and published a large number of texts (including two novels) first in Polish and then translated them into Ukrainian or vice versa. He also translated some of his texts from and into German. Interesting questions you are going to research are: what is the motivation behind such self-translations against the background of the central or peripheral position of languages in the Danube monarchy? What translation strategies characterise this practice and what relationship exists in this respect between Franko's self-translations and the rest of his translation oeuvre?
In the next stage of your PhD project, you will try to find out to what extent the practice of self-translation is continued after the fall of the Danube monarchy, firstly in the language pairs Ukrainian-German and/or Ukrainian-Polish, secondly - and especially after World War II - for Ukrainian-Russian. In view of the feasibility of the PhD project (completion of the dissertation in 2029), it is advisable that you limit yourself to three interconnected case studies: the first on Franko, the second on a self-translator between the World Wars, the third on self-translation in the period from the mid-twentieth century to the present.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

  •  submission of a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
  •  participating in meetings of the project research group and developing a shared database;
  •  publishing one single-authored, peer reviewed article;
  • presenting intermediate research results at workshops and conferences, including two international conferences that will be organised at the University of Amsterdam (Ivan Franko and World Literature, end of 2026; Self-translation and Literary Multingualism in Ukraine, 2028).
  •  organising knowledge dissemination activities;
  • (co-)teaching courses at BA-level in the second and third year of the appointment (maximum 0,2 fte per year);
  • participation in the Research School and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programmes.

This is what we ask of you

Candidates need to have the following qualifications:

  • a completed Master's degree in in Slavic Studies, Literary Studies and/or Translation Studies.
  • excellent research skills demonstrated by an outstanding Master's thesis and a demonstrable capacity to develop a track record of publishing in high-ranking journals and/or with leading presses
  • a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
  • enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences;
  • good command of English, excellent reading skills in Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian;
  • reading skills in German are a plus.

Please note that if you already hold a doctorate/PhD or are working towards obtaining a similar degree elsewhere, you will not be admitted to a doctoral programme at the UvA.

This is what we offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for the period of 48 months. The first contract will be for 16 months, with an extension for the following 32 months, contingent on a positive performance evaluation within the first 12 months. The employment contract is for 38 hours a week. The preferred starting date is 1 September 2025.
Your salary is in the first year of the employment contract € 2,901 and in the last year a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
What else do we offer?

  • PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver;
  • PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools;
  • excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
  • an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
  • an enthusiastic and professional academic team.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

  •  submission of a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
  •  participating in meetings of the project research group and developing a shared database;
  •  publishing one single-authored, peer reviewed article;
  • presenting intermediate research results at workshops and conferences, including two international conferences that will be organised at the University of Amsterdam (Ivan Franko and World Literature, end of 2026; Self-translation and Literary Multingualism in Ukraine, 2028).
  •  organising knowledge dissemination activities;
  • (co-)teaching courses at BA-level in the second and third year of the appointment (maximum 0,2 fte per year);
  • participation in the Research School and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programmes.

This is what we ask of you

Candidates need to have the following qualifications:

  • a completed Master's degree in in Slavic Studies, Literary Studies and/or Translation Studies.
  • excellent research skills demonstrated by an outstanding Master's thesis and a demonstrable capacity to develop a track record of publishing in high-ranking journals and/or with leading presses
  • a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
  • enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences;
  • good command of English, excellent reading skills in Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian;
  • reading skills in German are a plus.

Please note that if you already hold a doctorate/PhD or are working towards obtaining a similar degree elsewhere, you will not be admitted to a doctoral programme at the UvA.

This is what we offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for the period of 48 months. The first contract will be for 16 months, with an extension for the following 32 months, contingent on a positive performance evaluation within the first 12 months. The employment contract is for 38 hours a week. The preferred starting date is 1 September 2025.
Your salary is in the first year of the employment contract € 2,901 and in the last year a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
What else do we offer?

  • PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver;
  • PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools;
  • excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
  • an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
  • an enthusiastic and professional academic team.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds. The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

This is where you will be working

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds. The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact:
Dr Eric Metz, Assistant professor of Slavic Studies and Translation Studies, [email protected]
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 15 March 2025.
Your application should include the following information:

  • a letter and full academic CV;
  • a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;
  • a research proposal of 800-1000 words, showing how you would approach the project;
  • the names and email addresses of two references, including your adviser, who may be approached by the selection committee.

Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field 'CV'.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact:
Dr Eric Metz, Assistant professor of Slavic Studies and Translation Studies, [email protected]
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 15 March 2025.
Your application should include the following information:

  • a letter and full academic CV;
  • a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;
  • a research proposal of 800-1000 words, showing how you would approach the project;
  • the names and email addresses of two references, including your adviser, who may be approached by the selection committee.

Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field 'CV'.

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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