PhD Candidate in Anthropology

University of Antwerp

Department: Institute of Development Policy (IOB)
Regime: Full-time (100%)
Duration: 4 years
Application Deadline: 11 May 2026 (by midnight Brussels time)
Planned Start Date: 1 September 2026
Location: University of Antwerp, City Campus, Belgium

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university with over 20,000 students and 6,000 employees from more than 100 countries. We provide innovative academic education, conduct pioneering scientific research, and engage actively with society.

The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) contributes to a more just and sustainable world through multidisciplinary research, education, partnerships, and policy engagement. More information: www.uantwerp.be/iob

Project Context

This PhD position is part of the international research project “Unequal Numbers: The Making of Ethno-Racial Inequality in Brazil” (PI: Prof. Moisés Kopper).

The project investigates how ethno-racial inequality becomes “data” through classifications, infrastructures, and everyday encounters in official statistics and related data initiatives. Research combines historical/archival research, qualitative fieldwork, and digital humanities tools to link data politics with data practices.

A research stay at a non-Flemish host institution is expected, with joint supervision by Prof. Alexandre Camargo. IOB will act as the main host institution.

Position Responsibilities

  • Conduct innovative doctoral research examining how ethno-racial inequality is produced, stabilized, contested, and circulated through data in Brazil.

  • Employ multi-method qualitative and historical approaches, potentially including:

    • Archival/documental research

    • Interviews and focus groups

    • Ethnographic observation of data practices

    • Digital humanities / qualitative-data tools for analysis and communication

  • Contribute to research communication and societal impact, including public-facing outputs.

  • Engage actively in IOB intellectual life (seminars, reading groups, collaboration).

  • Perform limited teaching/support tasks (up to 10%).

Profile

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, History, Development Studies, or a related discipline.

  • Prior research experience in qualitative methods (ethnography, interviews, focus groups) and/or historical/archival research.

  • Excellent command of Portuguese (for fieldwork) and English (for academic communication).

  • Interest or basic experience with digital humanities / qualitative-data tools and methodological experimentation.

  • Motivation to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, internationally networked environment.

  • Teaching competences aligned with University of Antwerp standards.

  • Research qualities in line with faculty and university policies.

  • Attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

Assets (optional but desirable):

  • Prior research experience in Brazil.

  • Background in social studies of quantification, anthropology of data, critical data studies, political economy of development.

What We Offer

  • Doctoral scholarship for four years.

  • Access to a wide range of courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

  • Monthly scholarship amount in line with University of Antwerp doctoral rates.

  • Benefits include ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs.

  • Dynamic working environment at the City Campus, with strong integration in IOB’s research community. Teleworking possible during initial phase.

  • Significant fieldwork and research exchange as part of the joint supervision arrangement.

Application Instructions

Apply via the University of Antwerp online job application platform:

Required attachments:

  1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing motivation and relevant experience

  2. Academic CV

  3. Writing sample (e.g., thesis chapter, article, substantial research paper)

  4. Copies of academic degrees or proof of expected completion

  5. Short research proposal (max. 1,500 words) outlining the PhD project, including research questions, methods, materials, and brief timeline

  • All documents must be submitted in English.

  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview on 8 June 2026.

Contact for application questions: jobs@uantwerpen.be
Contact for position-specific questions: Moisés.Kopper@uantwerpen.be

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Antwerp has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Applications are encouraged from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or age.

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