Medieval anti-heretical hate speech: Support in submitting a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoc application (MSCA-PF), expression of interest by 16 March 2026

The Dissident Networks Project (DISSINET, https://dissinet.cz/), a research group led by Prof. Dr. David Zbíral and based at Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic), is searching for doctoral graduates interested in submitting a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action postdoctoral fellowship application (MSCA-PF) to become part of the team. DISSINET currently hosts research projects funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant and a Johannes Amos Comenius Programme grant.

The focus of the DISSINET-supported applications should be on digital and quantitative research into medieval anti-heretical hate speech, that is, derogatory language used by Christian writers to delegitimize, exclude, and harm heterodox Christians. Our work combines historical and linguistic expertise with large-scale computational methods to understand how medieval authors constructed, transmitted, and weaponized representations of religious nonconformity. We are especially interested in detecting and explaining broader patterns and trends (e.g., evolution over time). The work will involve:

• studying sources, their contexts, and related historiography;
• intensively annotating hate speech in Latin anti-heretical works in an online application;
• cross-validating information extracted with the use of Large Language Models;
• writing research articles with collaborators, both as lead author and co-author.

We are looking for candidates with a background in history, medieval studies, study of religions, medieval Latin philology and literature or a similar field interested in receiving our intense and targeted support to write and submit an application for a MSCA postdoctoral fellowship with Masaryk University on the topic outlined above.

The fellowship can last up to 24 months. The MSCA-PF monthly gross income should amount to 5,114 EUR (consisting of living allowance and mobility allowance, further family allowance possible; the call will be published in April 2026). An additional 1000 euro per month is available for research and networking. The position is residential. Brno is a pleasant university town ca. 2 hours by direct train connection from Vienna and Prague and offers all the opportunities of a vibrant modern city.

We require:

• Ph.D. degree in history, medieval studies, medieval Latin philology and literature or a similar field.
• Latin language (strong reading competence).
• Competence in historical research.
• Computer-friendly mindset.
• Competence in academic writing.
• English language (C1 or higher).

(We do not require any previous research background in medieval heresy, anti-heretical literature, medieval religious hate speech, or digital methods.)

We offer:

• Dedicated individual mentorship from the PI and other senior team members, both during the preparation of your application and after joining the team.
• Strong track record of success in applications for funding.
• Career-enhancing experience in digital and computational history.
• Creative work across disciplines in an exciting frontier-research project.
• Participation in writing high-profile publications in history, social sciences, and the digital humanities.
• Friendly and informal working environment.

MSCA-PF eligibility:

• Doctoral degree by the application deadline (9 September 2026).
• Max. 8 years after Ph.D. by the application deadline.
• Max. 12 months residence or main activity (work, studies) in Czechia over the last 3 years (as of 9 September 2026).

Details: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships 

Useful fact sheet

The DISSINET deadline for submitting a CV, a brief (ca. 1 page) preliminary research proposal, and an academic writing sample authored by the candidate to Prof. Dr. David Zbíral (david.zbiral@mail.muni.cz), is 16 March 2026.

We will then perform an internal pre-selection to identify candidates whose applications we will support and help develop. The pre-selection will involve a Latin translation test and an interview about the semantic annotation of a passage from a Latin anti-heretical text, both taking place online. To candidates who pass the pre-selection, we will offer intensive support in devising a research project related to medieval anti-heretical hate speech and submitting a MSCA-PF application.

The final submission deadline in the MSCA-PF scheme is 9 September 2026.