About the Program
The DECADOCS Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network is offering a fully-funded PhD position in Cultural Studies/History. This position is jointly hosted by the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France) and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Germany). This doctoral role focuses on the cultural, symbolic, and political dimensions of gastronomy from the late 19th century to today. Over four years, the researcher will examine menus, banquets, manifestos, and performances as historical sources, highlighting how food intersects with identity, ideology, and modernity. The program combines archival research, cultural analysis, and interdisciplinary methods, and includes an international academic environment across France and Germany. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about cultural history, food studies, and European intellectual traditions.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) & Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU)
- Department/Faculty: Cultural Studies, History, Translation Studies
- Supervisor: To be announced
- Location: Reims, France & Mainz/Germersheim, Germany
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Fully funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network, Horizon Europe
- Working Hours: Full-time (approx. 35 hrs/week under EU doctoral contracts)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Cultural Studies, History, Literature, Translation Studies, or related fields
Research Focus/Area
- Cultural history of food and gastronomy
- Political and symbolic dimensions of banquets and menus
- Literature, translation, and performative cultural sources
- Modern European history (19th–21st century)
- Interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences approaches
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Cultural Studies, History, Literature, Translation Studies, Food Studies, or a related discipline
- Strong command of English (working language of the project)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in cultural or historical analysis
- Knowledge of European cultural history or food studies
- Familiarity with archival sources and interdisciplinary methodologies
- Language skills in French or German (advantageous)
Key Features of the Program
- International and interdisciplinary research environment
- Collaborative supervision between two leading European universities
- Access to archives, libraries, and research networks in France and Germany
- Participation in MSCA Doctoral Network training, conferences, and workshops
- Funding for research travel and international academic exchanges
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit applications through the email to – benoit.verdier@univ-reims.fr
Required Documents:
- CV and academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (statement of research interests)
- Master’s thesis summary (if applicable)
- Contact details for referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: September 2025
- Deadline: 20 October 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Interviews: November 2025
- Start Date: January 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) | Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Official Notification: PhD position within the DECADOCS Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks project
- Application Portal: email to benoit.verdier@univ-reims.fr
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