Sorbonne Université Alliance is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position under the MeCir Initiative (Medieval Circulations) in Paris, France. The full-time temporary role begins in September 2026, with applications closing on 15 June 2026. The position is designed for early-career researchers seeking to contribute to interdisciplinary medieval studies through collaborative international research.
The MeCir Initiative explores the Middle Ages as a dynamic space of exchange, circulation, and mobility across Eurasian and Mediterranean regions. Through interdisciplinary methodologies involving history, archaeology, philology, and art history, the initiative examines merchant networks, cultural transfers, intellectual exchanges, and pre-modern mobilities. The selected postdoctoral fellow will align their research with one of the initiative’s thematic poles and collaborate with scholars across the Sorbonne Université Alliance.
The role includes active participation in collective research activities, scientific publishing, conference presentations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of national and international funding proposals such as ANR, ERC, Horizon Europe, and COST projects. Candidates will also contribute to research dissemination and public engagement initiatives focused on medieval studies and heritage promotion.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellow – MeCir Initiative (Medieval Circulations)
- Institution: Sorbonne Université, France
- Department: MeCir Initiative (Medieval Circulations), Alliance Sorbonne Université
- Research Discipline: Cultural Studies, Medieval History, Archaeology, Philology, Art History
- Location: Paris, France
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 1 Year
- Start Date: September 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: Funded under an institutional research initiative with EU programme support (specific funding details not specified)
- Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent in History, Cultural Studies, or related disciplines
Positions at Sorbonne Université attract applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, depending on the research area and institutional requirements.
Research Area
- Medieval circulations between Italy and France
- Networks and libraries of the Dukes of Orléans (14th–15th centuries)
- Polemics and textual circulation in late medieval Western Europe
- Italians in the Kingdom of France under Philip the Fair (1285–1314)
- Acoustics and audibility of preaching in medieval Gothic churches
- Merchant networks and intellectual mobility in medieval Eurasia and the Mediterranean
- Cultural transfers and circulation of knowledge during the Middle Ages
- Interdisciplinary medieval studies using textual and material sources
Eligibility/Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent in History, Cultural Studies, Medieval Studies, Archaeology, Philology, Art History, or related fields
- PhD students nearing completion or researchers who completed their PhD within the last three years
- Strong understanding of research and higher education systems in France
- Familiarity with the functioning of the Sorbonne Université Alliance
- Expertise in disciplines covered by the MeCir Initiative, including Italian circulations and Gothic church acoustics
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent academic research
- Experience in scientific publication and scholarly writing
- Ability to organise or contribute to interdisciplinary research seminars
- Skills in research communication and public dissemination activities
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative abilities in interdisciplinary environments
- Availability, responsiveness, and facilitation skills for collaborative research projects
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct interdisciplinary academic research aligned with one of the MeCir Initiative’s research axes
- Collaborate with scholars and research teams across different disciplines
- Publish research findings in academic journals and present work at international conferences
- Contribute to the preparation and submission of research grants such as ANR, ERC, Horizon Europe, and COST proposals
- Support research dissemination activities with the Presses de Sorbonne Université and public outreach initiatives
- Prepare and submit a detailed research outcomes report at the end of the contract
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their applications by email in PDF format to the designated contact address. Incomplete applications or submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email and invited for interviews.
Required Documents
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Researcher profile and academic details
- PhD certificate or proof of doctoral status (if applicable)
- Supporting academic documents relevant to the research profile
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 20 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2026, 00:00 (Europe/Paris Timezone)
- Interview Period: To be communicated to shortlisted candidates
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Applications close soon — interested candidates should apply before the 15 June 2026 deadline to avoid missing this postdoctoral opportunity in France.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Postdoctoral Research Positions Worldwide
- Humanities Research and Academic Jobs
- Archaeology and Heritage Research Positions
- Academic Jobs in France for International Researchers
- Academic Research Jobs in Europe for Scholars
Institutional Overview
Sorbonne Université is one of France’s leading research-intensive universities, internationally recognised for excellence in humanities, cultural studies, historical research, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Through initiatives such as MeCir (Medieval Circulations), the university promotes innovative medieval studies by integrating digital methodologies, international collaboration, and cross-disciplinary academic research. Located in Paris, France, Sorbonne Université provides scholars with access to globally connected research networks and a dynamic intellectual environment.
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