“Before Copyright” examines the long-term history of printing privileges from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The intimate relationship between legal frameworks and the politics of knowledge is the primary focus of the project.

For this doctoral position, we are looking for someone who wants to specialize in the history of printing privileges in Scandinavia, between c. 1500-1800. Candidates may focus on a specific location or time period but should have an interest in the long-term development of the privilege system from its inception to its demise.

The project proposal should include a clear set of questions related to how printing privileges provided a normative framework for the production of knowledge. One might consider political alliances and conflicts, for example, but also scientific and trade networks, media strategies and censorship, or the cultural dynamics of specific locations in a globalizing world. Applicants are expected to state explicitly in their project proposal why they have chosen a particular approach and what sources they intend to use (e.g., printed literature, engravings, court records, maps, chancellery archives, etc.). Preference will be given to project proposals that raise critical questions about visual representation and memory cultures.

As a PhD student, you will have one or more co-supervisors, either at another Norwegian university or from abroad. The person appointed will be affiliated with the Faculty’s organized research training. The academic work is to result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the Faculty with a view to obtaining the degree of PhD. The successful candidate is expected to join the existing research milieu or network and contribute to its development. Read more about the doctoral degree.

The appointment is for a duration of 3 years. All PhD Candidates who submit their doctoral dissertation for assessment with a written recommendation from their supervisor within 3 years or 3 ½ years after the start of their PhD position, will be offered, respectively, a 12 or 6 month Completion Grant. The expected start date for the position is between August and November 2023.

The employment location for this position is Oslo.