Doctoral scholarship holder in the framework of the research project “Humanising the Hospital”

The Research groups “Architecture + Interior” at the Faculty of Design Sciences of UAntwerp and “hortence” at the Faculty of Architecture of the ULB is looking for two full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder (4 year funded 2026-2029) in the framework of the research project “Humanising the Hospital”, directed by professors Margo Annemans (UAntwerp), Veronique Boone (ULB) and Bart Tritsmans (UAntwerp). In this research project, we explore the link between the past and present of Belgian hospital buildings designed with a human‑centred approach during the 1960s–1980s. The project has a dual focus: first, to study, document, and analyse the architectural and interior discourses and concepts of these historical hospitals; and second, to gain deeper insight into how patients, visitors, and staff experience these buildings today. The findings will help assess the relevance and value of these human‑centred design principles for contemporary hospital architecture. Methods derived from architecture history, cultural and political history and anthropology, will be used to shed light on the complexity from its historical ideology and approach to its present condition.

The two PhD candidates will be based at the University of Antwerp and at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, and conduct the research in close collaboration with each other, and with the research team from both universities. They will be supervised by the research directors and guided by a Postdoctoral researcher, and a committee of experts during the project.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in Interior Architecture and in Architecture and Urbanism, with a focus on the link between the past and present of Belgian hospital buildings designed with a human‑centred approach.
• You will work on both campus Mutsaard, Antwerp of the University of Antwerp, guided by professor Margo Annemans and professor Bart Tritsmans, and on campus Flagey, Brussels of the ULB, guided by professor Veronique Boone.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project in journals with impact factor.
• You will participate in international conferences.
• You will participate in activities of the research groups at both institutions.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

Profile:

We are looking for candidates who excel in their field and who are passionate about architectural research.

• You hold a Master degree in interior architecture, architecture, engineering-architecture, history, anthropology or another relevant discipline
• A combination of such degrees is a plus.
• You have a good knowledge of English, and French or Dutch, which is essential to conduct the field research in one of the Belgian regions.
• You are willing to closely collaborate with people in the field.
• You are able to independently pursue research
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have a strong interest in the research topic.
• You demonstrate good writing skills and useful methodological background.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the educational vision of the University of Antwerp and of the ULB.

What we offer:

• We offer a double doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two year period.
• The planned start date is September, 1st 2026, or another date by mutual agreement.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff.
• You will receive a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• We offer a dynamic and stimulating working environment in two well interconnected cities.
• You will benefit guidance and research training of both partner institutions and be supervised by experts in the field, through regular follow-up, punctuated by moments of collective exchange.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here and the ULB here

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including May 4th, 2026 (by midnight CET). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Send a copy of your documents to veronique.boone@ulb.be. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter (in English, Dutch or French)
  • your academic CV (including a publication list if relevant)
  • names and e-mail addresses of two referees
  • annexes if relevant (publications, award certificates, dissertations, projects, non written output etc.)
• 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 for possible interview: May, 28th, 2026.
• 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 Margo Annemans (margo.annemans@uantwerpen.be) or Veronique Boone (veronique.boone@ulb.be)