Postdoctoral Fellow in History

Ghent University

Two Fully Funded Positions

Last application date: 15 April 2026 (23:59)
Department: LW03 – Department of History
Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy type: Research staff
Degree required: Master’s degree in History or a related Humanities discipline
Start date: As early as 1 May 2026
Duration: Up to 4 years (12 months renewable)

Host Institutions

• Ghent University – Sarton Centre for History of Science and Humanities
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel – Centre Leo Apostel

About Ghent University

Ghent University is one of Belgium’s largest and most dynamic research universities, employing more than 15,000 staff members across 11 faculties and over 85 departments. With a strong commitment to research-based education, international collaboration, and societal engagement, Ghent University offers an intellectually stimulating environment and excellent career opportunities.

Research Project Overview

The Sarton Centre for History of Science and Humanities (Ghent University) and the Centre Leo Apostel (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) invite applications for two fully funded PhD positions within a four-year research project on early modern astronomical culture in the Habsburg Netherlands.

The project investigates astronomy in seventeenth-century Europe as an intellectual, moral, and religious practice, with a particular focus on the priest-astronomer Govaart Wendelen (1580–1667). Wendelen’s extensive correspondence and working notes reveal a highly transnational Catholic scholarly network extending across the Habsburg Netherlands, France, Italy, the Holy Roman Empire, and Rome.

Using manuscript sources, correspondence, observational records, and printed works, the project rethinks the relationship between Copernican astronomy, Catholic theology, chronology, and moral reform. It combines intellectual history, history of science, and manuscript studies, with particular attention to knowledge circulation and authority across political, institutional, and confessional boundaries.

PhD Research Tracks

Within a shared research framework, each doctoral fellow will pursue an individual and complementary research trajectory:

1. The Eclipse Project

This project focuses on Wendelen’s astronomical and chronological work, including:

• observational practices and data collection;
• manuscript tables and correspondence with contemporary astronomers;
• coordination of observations and emergence of standards.

The project contributes to broader debates on scientific credibility, coordination, infrastructure, and transnational knowledge production in early modern Europe.

2. The Deluge Project

This project examines Wendelen’s theological, historical, and antiquarian writings, with particular attention to:

• biblical chronology and the Flood narrative;
• the relationship between astronomy, theology, and historiography;
• moral reform within early modern Catholic intellectual culture.

This track offers a strong perspective on the entanglement of science, religion, and the humanities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Devote at least 90% of working time to doctoral research leading to a PhD dissertation.
• Conduct archival and manuscript research in Belgium and abroad.
• Participate in joint project activities, including workshops, conferences, and collaborative digital source analysis.
• Contribute actively to the intellectual life of the Sarton Centre and Centre Leo Apostel.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with strong interests in early modern intellectual history and history of science. Applicants should have:

• a Master’s degree in History or a related humanities discipline (completed by the start of the PhD);
• interest in early modern manuscript and printed sources;
• good passive knowledge of Latin, or willingness to acquire it during the first year;
• passive knowledge of at least one Romance language (French, Italian, or Spanish);
• excellent command of English (spoken and written);
• willingness to conduct archival research abroad and participate in international academic activities;
• basic knowledge of Dutch, or willingness to acquire it during the first year (recommended).

No prior specialisation in the history of astronomy is required. Intellectual curiosity, philological sensitivity, and methodological openness are essential.

What We Offer

• Full-time appointment as a doctoral fellow: 12 months initially, renewable after positive evaluation up to a maximum of 48 months.
• Fellowship amount equal to 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equivalent family circumstances (tax-exempt).
• Competitive benefits package, including:
  • 36 days of annual leave (full-time),
  • training and professional development opportunities,
  • bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.
• Access to the academic infrastructure and international networks of both host institutions.

Salary scales and benefits:
https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/considering

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents in English:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages), clearly stating which PhD position (Eclipse or Deluge) you are applying for
3. Writing sample (e.g. MA thesis chapter or research paper)
4. Contact details of one or two academic referees (letters may be requested later)

Send all materials to:
???? steven.vandenbroecke@ugent.be
???? Cornelis.Johannes.Schilt@vub.be

Late applications will not be accepted.

Equality and Diversity

Ghent University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact:
Prof. Steven Vanden Broecke
Ghent University
???? steven.vandenbroecke@ugent.be
???? +32 09 331 02 51