Doctoral scholarship holder history

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

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The Department of History in the Faculty of Arts is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of history

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on the history of midwifery in 20th-century Belgian Congo at University of Antwerp. This PhD project is part of a larger FWO-funded project, which also includes a PhD project on the history of midwifery in Belgium to be carried out at Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB). The project as a whole aims to generate fresh insight into the continuing importance of midwives in reproductive care in Belgium and the Belgian Congo between 1908 and 1960. Although women across the globe handled the lion’s share of deliveries and combined different reproductive care roles far into the 20th century, a comprehensive history of their variety of practices and roles still needs to be written. To this end, you will collaborate closely with the other PhD researcher, based VUB, to develop a practice-oriented methodology that prioritizes source material offering insights into midwifery practices and the perspective of midwives, and to examine the mutual influences between Belgium and the Belgian Congo.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project and will present your work at international conferences and workshops.
• You will disseminate your research results to broader audiences through blog posts, opinion pieces and public lectures.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of History and the Centre for Urban History.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in History, African Studies, or another relevant discipline; Candidates who have not yet obtained their degree, need to be able to present their diploma by the start of the project.
• 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 very good command of English and French. Knowledge of Lingala, Kikongo or other languages spoken in the DR Congo is an asset.
• You have strong intercultural competences. You are committed to conducting field research in the DRCongo and are able to flexibly adjust to challenging circumstances.
• Experience with colonial archives or oral history is an asset.

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 November 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• 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.
• 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 Stadscampus 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 June 1 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
  • diplomas of your completed bachelor’s and master’s programs, including a full transcript of your subjects and grades, or a provisional transcript for a master’s program still in progress;
  • a letter of recommendation;
  • two samples of previously written work (max. 10000 words each) in English, Dutch, and/or French (e.g. a PDF of a chapter of your master’s thesis, a paper, a publication).
• 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 that interviews will take place in Brussels (or online for candidates from outside Belgium) on July 7.
• 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 Margot Luyckfasseel, research professor in African History, margot.luyckfasseel@uantwerpen.be.