The focus of 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 particularly interested in identifying and explaining broader patterns and long-term developments in anti-heretical discourse.
The work will involve:
- studying sources, their historical contexts, and related historiography;
- intensively annotating hate speech in Latin anti-heretical works using an online annotation platform;
- cross-validating information extracted with the use of Large Language Models;
- writing research articles with collaborators, both as lead author and co-author, which will form part of an article-based dissertation.
Eligibility:
We are looking for M.A. graduates or prospective graduates (graduation by 31 January 2027) interested in enrolling in doctoral studies in the Study of Religions programme at Masaryk University, with a background in history, medieval studies, study of religions, Latin philology and literature, or a related field.
We require:
- Latin language (strong reading competence);
- competence in historical research;
- a computer-friendly mindset;
- competence in academic writing;
- English language proficiency at C1 level or higher.
No prior research experience in medieval heresy, anti-heretical literature, medieval religious hate speech, or digital methods is required.
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;
- a strong track record of success in obtaining research funding;
- career-enhancing experience in digital and computational history;
- creative work across disciplines in a frontier-research environment;
- participation in writing high-profile publications in history, social sciences, and the digital humanities;
- a friendly and informal working environment.
The deadline for submitting a CV, a brief (approximately one-page) preliminary research proposal, and an academic writing sample authored by the candidate to Prof. Dr. David Zbíral (david.zbiral@mail.muni.cz) is 5 October 2026.
We will conduct an internal pre-selection process to identify candidates whose applications we will support and help develop. The pre-selection will involve a Latin translation test and an online interview focusing on the semantic annotation of a passage from a Latin anti-heretical text.
Candidates who pass the pre-selection will receive intensive support in developing a Ph.D. research project related to medieval anti-heretical hate speech and preparing an application for a funded four-year Ph.D. position in the Study of Religions at Masaryk University.
The funding is approximately 26,000 CZK net per month, providing competitive remuneration for this career stage and local living costs in Brno.
The studies are residential. Brno is a lively university city located approximately two hours by direct train from both Vienna and Prague and offers an excellent quality of life combined with a vibrant academic environment.
The final deadline for submitting applications to the Ph.D. programme is 30 November 2026.
