We invite applications for a fully-funded DPhil studentship for the project “Dirhams for Slaves. Dirham hoards, trade in Slavic slaves and the emergence of Medieval Europe”. The project, based at the University of Oxford, is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and will run for 3 years starting on 1 October 2013.

The studentship is intended to conduct a comparative study of the archaeological contexts of silver hoards in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. It will attempt to synthesize data from the major areas of hoarding with the aim of drawing general conclusions on the reasons for hoarding and for the non-retrieval of hoards, and on the historical context of these activities. This work will be based on archaeological evidence gathered at find spots of silver hoards, many of which have been recently examined by archaeologists.

In addition to the doctoral project, the successful candidate will be expected to play an active part in the collaborative work of the project team. Apart from involvement with a high-quality research environment, a scholarship of £13,726 per annum will be offered; the project will also cover the necessary University and College fees. The studentship will be attached to the Oriental Institute, University of Oxford. The candidate is expected to fully comply with University’s regulations for doctoral dissertations. The doctoral dissertation will be supervised by Dr Jonathan Shepard and Dr Luke Treadwell.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in History, Archaeology, Classics or another relevant discipline.
• Residence in the UK, in line with the Annex A of  the AHRC Student Funding Guide: http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Student-Funding-Guide.pdf
• Fluent spoken and written English, in line with the University guidelines: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/internat_students.html
• Reading ability in a Slavic language (ideally Russian).
• Ability to work with both written sources and archaeological evidence.
• Interest in monetary history and/or numismatics.
• Ability to work with large amounts of data.
• Residence in Oxford during the entire time of the project (3 years starting on 1 October 2013).

How to apply

• For eligibility and all details not specified in this announcement, please consult http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/application_guide.html
• Applications should be submitted in English, preferably in a single pdf file, to marek.jankowiak@orinst.ox.ac.uk
• Applications should contain the following documents:

A letter of application, specifying why you feel well-qualified to write a DPhil on the lines set out in the project details; how you would propose to start addressing the questions raised there; other key questions that you consider of equal importance to this project, in general, and to your DPhil in particular; also state your eligibility for the award;

Full CV/Résumé; An official transcript of previous higher education results up to the present;

One sample of academic written work of around 2,000 words; it may be a clearly defined extract from a longer piece of work.

• One academic reference is required. It should be send directly by the referee to the address provided above.
• Deadline for applications: 8 July 2013 at 5pm GMT.
• Interviews are planned for the 15 July 2013 either in Oxford (in which case travel expenses will be covered) or by Skype.