PhD studentship (ECOMEDS: Economic and cultural connections within Mediterranean ecosystems, c.1250-1550)

Award details

The Department of History at King’s College London invites applications for a PhD studentship on the project ‘ECOMEDS: Economic and cultural connections within Mediterranean ecosystems, c.1250-c.1550’ (a UKRI Frontier Research Grant, previously ERC).

We welcome applications from outstanding candidates who can demonstrate academic excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and provide evidence of sufficient research skills to contribute to the project. The successful candidate will be joining an exciting international team on ECOMEDS.

ECOMEDS examines the interrelationships between economy, environment and culture in the Mediterranean, c.1250-1550. The project combines the history of the plant and animal life of the Mediterranean with the production of highly sought-after location-specific commodities (coral, honey, citrus and cheese) whose trade in the Middle Ages drew together networks of producers, merchants, processors and consumers from different places, polities and communities. Mediterranean products were also traded north where they entered new trading networks and were imbued with new meanings and values. The PhD project will ideally focus on this northern aspect of Mediterranean goods with particular reference to England, although projects that connect with the core themes of ECOMEDS will also be considered.

Award value

This studentship provides a stipend only at £24,936.17 per academic year, for three years.

Eligibility criteria

This opportunity is open to Home students.

Applicants should have or expect to receive a Masters-level qualification in Medieval History or a relevant discipline.

Essential criteria include:

• Knowledge of the later Middle Ages as relevant to the project
• Palaeographic and linguistic skills to be able to work with relevant medieval manuscripts
• Interest in the core themes of the ECOMEDS project
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Application process

Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Alexandra Sapoznik (Alexandra.sapoznik@kcl.ac.uk) to discuss the project plan in advance of applying.

To apply, candidates must submit an application for the 'History Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time)' programme via the King's online admissions portal - King’s Apply. The application must the name Dr Alexandra Sapoznik as the supervisor and include the name of the studentship as the project title.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held shortly thereafter.

Contact Details

For queries, please contact Dr Alexandra Sapoznik (Alexandra.sapoznik@kcl.ac.uk).