Application deadline: The closing date for applications is 4 pm on Friday 5 July. Interviews will be held in July 2013.

Start date: September 2013

Project description

The Centre for Studies in Literature (CSL) at the University of Portsmouth invites applications for one student to undertake a fully funded AHRC Collaborative Doctoral  studentship on the topic of ‘Possession and Obsession: The Case of Arthur Conan Doyle,’ supervised by Dr Christopher Pittard and Dr Patricia Pulham (University of Portsmouth), and Dr Jane Mee (Portsmouth City Council). As part of this collaborative project, the successful candidate will also work closely with Portsmouth City Council in developing the use of the archive and public outreach events, gaining transferable skills and experience for use in the cultural services and related sectors.

The broad aims of the project are:

• To examine Doyle’s relation to late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century literary and cultural contexts, with reference to questions of reading communities, modes of textual production, and the historical origins of fan identity.
• To consider the cultural relationship between late Victorian fandom and twentieth- and twenty-first century constructions and appropriations of Doyle, addressing issues of authorship, intellectual property, and theoretical models of fandom.

Launched in 2009, the Centre for Studies in Literature at the University of Portsmouth promotes academic research and innovation, provides a framework for research excellence in the broad area of literary studies and associated disciplines, and is committed to promoting wider engagement with research through collaboration and dissemination. CSL is affiliated with the Dickens Project at the University of California Santa Cruz.

Funding

The annual salary provided by AHRC is a maintenance grant of £14,276, plus coverage of fees of £3,900 per year. Portsmouth City Council will provide an additional £1,000 to cover associated research costs. The studentship will commence in September 2013.

Informal enquiries contact details

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Christopher Pittard, Christopher.pittard@port.ac.uk

How to apply

Applications and details of proposed research projects should be made through the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/phdapplication

Please indicate in your research proposal that you wish to be considered for the ‘Possession and Obsession’ studentship in the Centre for Studies in Literature.