Postdoctoral Position in Humanities
University of Antwerp
Belgium

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 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 6000 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 Research Centre for Visual Poetics at the Department of Literature (Faculty of Arts) is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of film studies

Position

• You will work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis at the intersection of the field of amateur filmmaking and the field of media culture and migration.
• This is a joint PhD between the University of Antwerp (main institution) and the VUB – Vrije Universiteit Brussel (partner institution).
• You will conduct research within the framework of the FWO project ‘HomeFrames: Amateur film, migration and home-making in post-war Belgium’ with supervisors prof. Gertjan Willems (UAntwerp) and prof. Kevin Smets (VUB). This project examines how migrants in post-war Belgium (1944-1974) used amateur film to reflect, construct and make sense of their migrant identities and experiences. The objectives include mapping of amateur films made by migrants (in public and private archives), investigating the production and circulation practices of these films, analysing their representational and stylistic features, and evaluating their cultural heritage value. The project, which will be executed in close collaboration with heritage partners, integrates archival research, crowdsourcing, oral history interviews, film analysis and participatory video research.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.
• A separate vacancy is also available at VUB for a part-time research assistant within this project. You can find more details on the VUB website. Candidates interested in both positions are welcome to apply for both roles.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in in Film Studies or related degree programs (History, Literature, Media and Communication Studies, Art History, ...)  or you will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have a strong interest in film history and migration history.
• You are eager to develop expertise in a diverse range of qualitative research methods, including archival research, crowdsourcing, interviewing, film analysis, and participatory video research.
• You have a strong command of at least two of the following languages: Dutch, English, and French. Proficiency in one or more additional languages, such as Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Portuguese, or Greek, is considered an asset.
• You have strong teamwork skills and can work both collaboratively and independently. You are proactive, take initiative, and open to constructive feedback to enhance your professional growth and research career.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2025 with the possibility of adjusting the start date by mutual agreement.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Stadscampus (Grote Kauwenberg 18, Antwerp) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment (Research Centre for Visual Poetics – Department of Literature).
• As part of the joint PhD, you also maintain a close connection to the partner institution, ECHO: Media, Culture & Politics research group at VUB.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this position through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 24 April 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:A motivation letter
• Your CV
• Your MA dissertation (or BA dissertation, if your MA dissertation is not yet finalised) as a writing sample
• The names and contact details of two potential referees
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the following dates in your calendar: 23 June 2025 (selection interviews, taking place in Brussels).
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Gertjan.willems@uantwerpen.be or kevin.smets@vub.be

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.