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The Department of Applied Linguistics, Translation and Interpreting Studies in the Faculty of Arts is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the fields of cultural mediation, Latin American studies, and international and contemporary history. The successful candidate will carry out a research project on the role and trajectories of two Latin American cultural mediators through archival research and fieldwork conducted abroad (Chile and Cuba).
Position
- You will actively contribute to the preparation and successful defense of a PhD thesis on the processes and transformations of cultural mediation in the twentieth century, with particular attention to both South-South and South-North dynamics. The selected candidate will conduct extensive archival research based on primary sources to produce an empirically grounded historical study of the trajectories of two Latin American writers who also acted as influential cultural mediators within interconnected South-South and South-North networks of cultural transfer. Fieldwork will be carried out in Santiago (Chile) and Havana (Cuba), where the principal archival collections relating to the projec’s case studies are held. The research will focus on Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) and Alejo Carpentier (1904-1980), whose multifaceted careers as writers, intellectuals, diplomats, and cultural mediators provide an exceptional opportunity to examine regional and global configurations of cultural transfer, as well as the circulation of ideas, representations, and cultural practices across national, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.
- The project will also analyze these trajectories to illuminate the complex interplay between culture and politics throughout the twentieth century and to historicize the formation of transnational and global cultural networks. Combining extensive archival research, data collection, and open-data processing through network-mapping tools and databases, the dissertation will lay the foundations for a pioneering study of the mechanisms and factors shaping cultural transfers across diverse cultural spaces, encompassing both South-South and South-North exchanges.
- You will be based in Belgium and will independently conduct your doctoral research while reporting regularly on its progress to your supervisors from the Department of Applied Linguistics, Translation and Interpreting Studies and the TricS research group. You will work in close collaboration with your supervisory team throughout the project.
- You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
- You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
- You will report progress to your supervisor and committees, and present your research at scientific conferences.
- You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
- You will participate in the doctoral training programme offered by the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will contribute to securing national and international research funding.
- In addition to project-based research, you will also be responsible for a limited range of support tasks related to teaching and/or research management within the Faculty of Arts.
- You will actively contribute to the ongoing research projects and activities of the Faculty of Arts.
Profile
- You hold a Master’s degree in literary studies, history, language studies, translation studies, or a related disciplines, or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
- You must demonstrate proven experience in the digital humanities, particularly in network analysis and visualization, or show a strong willingness and commitment to acquiring these skills through intensive training during the first year of the PhD.
- You have at least a B2+ level of proficiency in Spanish, along with strong academic writing skills in English.
- You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
- You have experience with cultural and/or transnational studies.
- You are willing to undertake additional methodological training or coursework to acquire any competencies that may still be lacking.
- 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.
What we offer
- 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.
- We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
- The planned start date is January 2027, or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to 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.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will do most of your work at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 5 October 2026 (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 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 a set of objectives and research questions, a concise theoretical framework, the proposed methodology, and a brief bibliography.
- 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 possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the following dates in your calendar: Friday 23 October 2026 afternoon (selection interviews).
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Rafael Pedemonte ([email protected]).
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.
