PhD – Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctorate – United Kingdom

Iuav University in Venice and the University of Glasgow are pleased to announce a fully funded Joint Doctoral fellowship under the Marie-Curie Sklodowska Doctoral Network Scheme as part of the DECADOCS project. The anticipated start of the project is January 2026.

This is 4 year fellowship. The post at the University of Glasgow is fixed term for 2 years (January 2026- January 2028). The Fellowship continues at Iuav University in Venice in 2029/2030.

The project explores Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Carnaro Republic (September- December 1920) as a ‘decadent’ community, that is as a political project in which aesthetics and politics merged to dangerous ends. It compares D’Annunzio’s account of the occupation of Fiume (today’s Rijeka, Croatia) against that of other figures involved in the enterprise, uncovering the contradictions inherent in the complex crafting of historical memories, and it explores the many ways in which the history of the Fiume occupation, and the myth of D’Annunzio in relation to the city’s history, continues to be reshaped through literature, films and other narratives.

The project involves research at the Vittoriale (D’Annunzio house-museum on Gardone Riviera) and other archives (in Rijeka and Rome), as well as oral interviews with the local community in Rijeka and elsewhere. Research findings will enable the candidate to develop a series of podcasts and will be shared with the community through a performance developed in collaboration with a theatre director.

The successful candidate is expected to present the result of their research in a written text of around 100k words, as well as to contribute to the translation and digitalization of archival material, to create a series of podcasts, and to work with a theatre director on staging a play intended as an educational resource.

Supervision for this project will be split between the University of Glasgow (Elisa Segnini) and Iuav University of Venice (Elisa Bizzotto). The successful candidate will be expected to split the period of their studies between Britain (2026-2028) and Italy (2028-2029/2030). The project includes a secondment at the Vittoriale Museum, where, in addition to conducting archival research, the successful candidate will receive additional training and support.

Requirements

• Good (equivalent to first class or upper second) BSc or equivalent undergraduate degree in the relevant area humanities (Including literature, history, memory studies) Or (ii) Postgraduate Masters degree in a relevant subject, awarded or soon to be awarded.
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and Italian (Croatian a plus).
• For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, English Language proficiency must be demonstrated through one of the following tests. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training) 7.0 overall with no subtest less than 7.0 or similar equivalent English language qualification.
• Up to date knowledge of subject area, practical and theoretical.
• Desirable knowledge of Croatian.
• Desirable strong background in early-twentieth century history and literature.

Benefits

Salary: Approx. £45,000 – £50,000 (51,680€ – 57,680€) per annum*

*Final salary will be determined according to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Doctoral Networks rates.

*Researchers will receive a mobility allowance and if applicable a family allowance.

 

Organization/Company – University of Glasgow.

Research field – Arts » Performing arts.

Research profile – First Stage Researcher (R1).

Country – United Kingdom.

Application Deadline – 9 Nov 2025 – 23:45 (Europe/London).

 

More information: Euraxess