Department: Department of Literature

Faculty: Faculty of Arts

Employment Regime: Full-time (100%)

About the University

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Position

The Department of Literature in the Faculty of Arts is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of cultural memory studies and conflict studies, focusing on narratives and testimonies about kidnappings carried out by armed groups in Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

You will:

• Actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on narratives and testimonies of kidnappings perpetrated by armed groups in Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the perspective of cultural memory studies and conflict studies. The research focuses on the rebel groups FARC-EP in Colombia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo from the year 2000 onwards. Through a combination of discourse analysis and fieldwork, you will investigate the interaction between written, institutional, and oral narratives surrounding kidnappings. You will also be encouraged to incorporate your own interests and insights into the research project. This research is connected to, but not limited to, disciplines such as linguistics and literary studies, (comparative) literature, political and social sciences, social and cultural anthropology, Latin American studies, and African studies.

• Independently manage your doctoral research and report regularly on its progress, in collaboration with your supervisors from the Department of Literature and the Institute of Development Policy (IOB), including:

  • Drawing up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s), and undertaking the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.

  • Conducting the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad, and competing for funding for general or specific costs.

  • Reporting progress to your supervisor(s) and committees, and presenting your research at scientific conferences.

  • Publicly defending your thesis and aiming for publication in the scientific press.

• Participate in the doctoral training programme offered by the Antwerp Doctoral School.

• Contribute to securing national and international research funding.

• Carry out a limited range of support tasks related to teaching and/or research management within the Faculty of Arts.

• Actively contribute to the ongoing research projects and activities of the Faculty of Arts, with particular involvement in the Department of Literature’s research areas.

Profile

You:

• Hold a Master's degree in Language and Literature, Translators and Interpreters, Social Sciences, Political Science, or a related discipline, or will have obtained it by the time of appointment.

• Can provide evidence of excellent study results.

• Have experience in cultural memory studies and/or conflict studies or related fields. Experience with discourse analysis, narratology, and/or qualitative research methods such as interviews is considered an asset. You are willing to undertake additional methodological training or coursework to acquire any competencies that may still be lacking.

• Have a good knowledge of English, Spanish, and French, both oral and written.

• Have teaching competences in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.

• Have research qualities in line with the faculty and university research policies.

• Act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

What We Offer

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of 12 months. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for up to a maximum duration of four years.

• The opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as opportunities for further development through training and education.

• A planned start date of 1 November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

• A monthly scholarship calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.

• Additional benefits including:

  • Ecocheques.

  • Internet-connectivity allowance.

  • Bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.

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

• A dynamic and stimulating working environment at the City Campus.

• More information about working at the University of Antwerp is available on the University's website.

Application Process

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 7 September 2026 (by midnight Brussels time).

Please complete the online application form and include the following attachments:

• A motivation letter.

• Your academic CV.

• Your university diplomas, including transcripts listing the courses completed and corresponding study results.

• A brief research proposal (1–2 pages) related to the topic. The proposal should include:

  • Objectives and research questions.

  • A concise theoretical framework.

  • The proposed methodology.

  • A brief bibliography.

The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. Applicants will be notified once a decision has been made.

If you are selected after the pre-selection stage, you will be informed about the next step(s) in the selection procedure.

Selection interviews are scheduled for:

Tuesday, 22 September 2026

For questions about the online application form, please consult the frequently asked questions or contact:

E-mail: jobs@uantwerpen.be

For questions about the position, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Reindert Dhondt
E-mail: reindert.dhondt@uantwerpen.be

or

Prof. Dr. Kristof Titeca
E-mail: kristof.titeca@uantwerpen.be

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy.

The University is a sustainable, family-friendly organisation that invests in its employees’ growth. It encourages diversity and attaches great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.

People from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics are strongly encouraged to apply.