PhD Scholars in Arts
University of Antwerp
Belgium

Department: Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research, and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international, and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Urban Studies Institute (USI) at the Univ,ersity of Antwerp, Belgium, conducts interdisciplinary research on urbanisation and urban issues. It offers a platform for urban planners, engineers, ecologists, geographers, transport economists, health scientists, sociologists, historians, and literary, cultural, legal, and communication scholars who all strongly invest in an integrated approach. Research at the institute focuses on a diverse range of issues, including:

• Urban sustainability and greening

• Urban planning and development

• Urban and environmental history

• Governance and participation

• Transport and mobility

• Health

• Social inequality, solidarity, and diversity

• Smart cities

• Creativity and culture

• Migration

Other USI activities include regular research seminars and two annual summer schools (CityLab and the Sustainable City). For more information, see USI website.

The USI is currently looking for two full-time visiting scholars for a short-term research stay (in-person) at the University of Antwerp in 2026/2027. The selected scholars will be offered the opportunity to conduct their research at the USI and to participate in the institute’s research activities. They will be supported to:

1. Communicate their research plans and results to the interdisciplinary research community of the USI.

2. Receive feedback from a select interdisciplinary group of scholars.

3. Continue a dialogue with a broad range of disciplinary approaches.

Because USI is a network of researchers belonging to different research groups and departments, the visiting scholars are hosted within one of our member research groups. USI will assure optimal collaboration with other relevant research groups and disciplines, depending on the research plan of the visiting scholar. To that end, candidates are encouraged to explain which interdisciplinary collaborations they aim to explore during their stay.

We are flexible in when we can host visiting scholars for 1-3 months between autumn 2026 and summer 2027. We welcome and encourage applications from scholars from any country and nationality.

Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) (defended and awarded at the time of the planned visit) and have a track record in research on urban issues.

• You have experience with multidisciplinary research in the broader field of urban studies.

• You commit to presenting your research and research results in at least one seminar and one guest lecture for students.

• You commit to preparing a joint project application or a joint publication with one or more USI members.

• You hold a paid position in a research institution (as post-doctoral fellow, researcher, professor, for example) at the time of the planned visit.

We Offer

• Facilities to conduct your research at the University of Antwerp (desk space, log-in, library access, etc.)

• The possibility to fully participate in the research activities (seminars, master classes, lectures, etc.) of the USI and all the research groups involved

• The possibility to communicate your own research to the members of the institute and of the research groups involved

• Information related to finding lodging, issues related to travel documents, etc.

• Reimbursement of your travel expenses

• A €1,500 per month stipend for housing and costs related to your stay in Antwerp if needed (please indicate in your motivation letter)

How to Apply

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform by 28th May 2026, 23:59 CEST. Click on the ‘Apply’ button, complete the online application form, and be sure to include the following attachments:

• Motivation letter

• Academic CV

Your motivation letter should include:

• A detailed plan for the 1-3 month stay

• An outline of the joint project application (including the targeted funding channel(s)) or publication

• Indication of which research groups and USI researchers you would like to be connected with during your stay

• The timeframe you are available (one to three months, between autumn 2026 and summer 2027, except July and August)

• Whether you require the monthly stipend and, if so, justification for the costs

We strongly advise you to get in touch with a potential host researcher at USI in advance.

Contact for questions:

• For profile and requirements: Prof. Dr. Greet De Block (greet.deblock@uantwerpen.be) or Prof. Dr. Thomas Vanoutrive (thomas.vanoutrive@uantwerpen.be), Co-Directors of USI

• For administrative questions: International Staff Office, int.staff@uantwerpen.be, +32 (0)3 265 31 49

• For questions about the online application form: jobs@uantwerpen.be

You will be informed of the outcomes of the USI Steering Board’s selection process during June 2026.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

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