DECADOCS is a pioneering research and training programme enabled by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) aimed at reinterpreting the concept of decadence. Traditionally associated with decline, decadence will be explored through new perspectives, focusing on sustainability, transnationalism, and sensoriality. The programme offers tailored intersectoral training in collaboration with museums, archives, galleries, and other partners, reinforcing its scientific and social impact.
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‘Decadent communities: Gabriele d’Annunzio, Fiume, and Minor Transnationalisms’
Iuav University in Venice and the University of Glasgow are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded Joint Doctoral studentship from 1 October under the Marie-Curie Sklodowska Doctoral Network Scheme as part of DECADOCS (GA 101227176). The prospective start of the project is January 2026.
The project explores Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Carnaro Republic (September-December 1920) as a ‘decadent’ community, that is as a political project in which aesthetics and politics merged to dangerous ends. It compares D’Annunzio’s account of the occupation of Fiume against that of other figures involved in the enterprise, uncovering the contradictions inherent in the complex crafting of historical memories, and explores the many ways in which the history of the Fiume occupation, and the myth of D’Annunzio and its importance for the city’s history, continues to be reshaped through literature, films and other narratives.
The project involves both research at the Vittoriale and other archives, and oral interviews with the local community in Rijeka (Croatia). The successful candidate is expected to present the result of their research in a written text of around 100k words, as well as to contribute to the translation and digitalization of archival material, to the creation of a series of podcasts, and to work with a theatre director on staging a play based on the project’s findings.
Supervision for this project will be split between the University of Glasgow (Elisa Segnini) and Iuav University of Venice (Elisa Bizzotto). The successful candidate will be expected to split the period of their studies between Scotland (2026-2028) and Italy (2028-2029 up to 2030).
The project includes a secondment at the Vittoriale Museum, where, in addition to conducting archival research, the successful candidate will receive additional training and support.
This project is part of the DECADOCS network, involving 10 Universities across Europe. In addition to local supervision and support, the successful candidate will also benefit from an extensive programme of doctoral training and access to an interdisciplinary network of scholars and researchers exploring different aspects of Decadence from the nineteenth century to the present. This includes opportunities for presentation at conferences and the publication of scholarly outputs.
Although priority will be given to applicants who already have strong reading and writing skills in both English and Italian, and a background in historical/ literary research on the period, the University of Glasgow and Iuav University are keen to encourage a diverse and wide range of applicants from different backgrounds.
Your duties:
Your tasks will include:
- Research at Vittoriale and other archives
- Translation and digitalisation of archival material
- Conducting interviews in Rijeka (Croatia)
- The creation of a series of podcasts
- Working with a theatre director to create a performance intended as an educational resource
- Compiling research findings into scientific presentations, publications, and a PhD thesis
- Attending research and training activities within the DECADOCS network
Requirements
Essential
We are looking for a candidate with:
- An MA degree in the humanities, including literature, history, cultural studies
- Near native knowledge of English and Italian (Croatian is a plus)
- Availability to work in Venice and Glasgow, as well as in Gardone Riviera, Fiume, and Rome (archival research)
- Strong research and writing skills
- Affinity and interest in interdisciplinary research
- Strong background in early-twentieth century history and literature
- Exceptional curiosity, problem solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Willingness to engage with non-academic audiences
- Strong digital skills
- For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, English Language proficiency must be demonstrated through one of the following tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training) 7.0 overall with no subtest less than 7.0. IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:
- TOEFL, 100 overall with Reading 24; Listening 24; Speaking 23; Writing 27
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date.
- Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements.
Desirable
- Experience in archival research
- Experience in the creation of digital databases
Benefits
- The EU provides support for each recruited researcher in the form of
- a living allowance
- a mobility allowance
- if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowance
Terms and Conditions
Salary: Approx. £45,000 – £50,000 per annum*
*Final salary will be determined according to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Doctoral Networks rates.
*Approximate gross salary stated above is subject to employers NI deductions and the amount varies according to the living costs of host country.
This is 4 year fellowship. The post at the University of Glasgow is fixed term for 2 years (January 2026 – January 2028). The Fellowship continues at Iuav University in Venice in 2029/2030.
ELIGIBILITY:
Researchers funded by MSCA Doctoral Networks
- can be of any nationality
- must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment
- should not be enrolled in another doctoral programme during the project
- should comply with the mobility rules: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date
All candidates are advised to visit the following website to obtain further details of the eligibility requirements for Marie Curie initiatives, see particularly page 8 to assess your criteria before making an application: – http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2018-2020/main/h2020-wp1820-msca_en.pdf
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
Application
Please send:
- a cover letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key competencies relevant for this position
- an up-to-date CV, including details of your BA and MA degrees
- copies of your diplomas and transcripts of records (BA and MA)
- contact information of two academic referees
- evidence of proficiency in academic English (eg. a sample of academic writing from your MA, max 5000 words)
- Proof of ID (passport, identity card);
- A declaration of Honour stating that you fulfil the eligibility criteria.
Our selection procedure is merit-based and follows the guidelines of the recruitment of European Commission’s European Code of Conduct for researchers:
Applications are received until 9 November 2025.
Interviews will take place online on 24 November 2025.
Contact
Elisa Bizzotto, IUAV
Elisa Segnini, University of Glasgow
Send your application in a single PDF document labelled ‘Name.ApplicationIRP4’ to Profs Bizzotto and Segnini
Closing date : 9 November 2025 @23:45
DECADOCS 