Academic ConnectProfessor (100%) in Prospective Architectural Theory
(ref. ZAP-2025-28)
Last modified: 28/03/25
KU Leuven has a full-time vacancy for independent academic staff (ZAP) in the field of architectural theory. We seek internationally oriented candidates with an excellent research record and teaching competence in the area of theoretical reflection on architecture.
KU Leuven operates a multi-campus model combining faculties and research departments.
The candidate will contribute to the research of the Department of Architecture within the research unit History, Theory and Criticism on the Sint-Lucas Brussels and Ghent Campus. This unit includes researchers from both the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Engineering Science. The Department offers an international research environment of excellence.
www.architectuur.kuleuven.be
The candidate will contribute to education at the Faculty of Architecture, which encompasses academic architecture programs (interior architecture, architecture, urban design and spatial planning, and the educational master) on the Sint-Lucas Brussels and Ghent campuses. The faculty is driven by a consciously assembled diversity of practices and is renowned for its future-oriented education that cultivates freedom of exploration.
www.arch.kuleuven.be
Unit website
Research
You will develop an international research programme in architectural theory with an explicitly prospective approach.
As a faculty intensively training students to creatively explore spatial design possibilities, we have a duty to reflect on the experience of designed spaces and the significance—or redundancy—of architectural qualities. This need is especially urgent given the recent mediatization and digitalization of design culture.
Your research will explicitly focus on recent developments and upcoming evolutions that will change architects' methods and the functioning and experience of architecture. You actively seek out blind spots in current architectural reflection and/or define new challenges. You pay attention to the non-instrumental, artistic, and cultural value of architectural design.
Your work will demonstrate active interest in the influence of new media, AI, imaging, etc., on contemporary architectural culture and the changing relationship with the arts. Emphasis is placed on 21st-century challenges for architectural imagination and shifts in designers' skills, techniques, and communication tools.
You have academic expertise in architectural theory that is not limited to a purely historical approach and goes beyond architectural criticism.
You collaborate closely with members of the research department and contribute to debates on current research issues.
You strive for excellence in research and contribute to the further development of one or more research groups within the History, Theory and Criticism Research Unit.
You publish at the highest scientific level, secure funding for fundamental research, expand international collaboration, and supervise doctorates of international standing.
You are capable of securing competitive funding and developing international collaboration around your research programme.
Teaching
You will provide high-quality education in the domain of theoretical reflection on (interior) architecture at both bachelor’s and master’s levels on both Brussels and Ghent campuses, with a clear commitment to overall programme quality.
You will also contribute to the faculty’s educational project by supervising master’s theses and acting as a promoter for doctoral students.
You will develop teaching in accordance with KU Leuven’s vision of active and research-based education and utilise opportunities for educational professionalisation offered by the faculty and university.
You are driven to consider how your research can inform design education.
Service
Scientific, societal, and internal service (management tasks) are part of your responsibilities.
You actively participate in the image and profiling of the department/faculty regarding current and prospective students and the professional field, through public performances, information days, introductory moments, etc.
Profile
- You hold a master’s degree in architecture, interior architecture, art history, history, philosophy, arts, design sciences, or an equivalent diploma, and a doctoral degree in one of these disciplines with a dissertation topic related to the research domain above.
- You have a strong research record, evidenced by publications in leading international academic journals and/or books, and by obtaining grants or research projects.
- Your career demonstrates international research experience.
- If you have recently obtained your PhD, you should substantiate your research and growth potential with academic references.
- You have demonstrable qualities for academic teaching. Teaching experience is an advantage.
- You possess organisational skills, collegiality, and leadership capabilities in a university context.
- Good English proficiency is required; KU Leuven offers academic English courses.
- The administrative language is Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch at hiring, KU Leuven offers a training programme for participation in administrative meetings. You will have the opportunity to learn Dutch before teaching courses in Dutch.
Offer
We offer a full-time position in an intellectually stimulating environment. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university conducting both fundamental and applied scientific research. It is strongly interdisciplinary and strives for international excellence. It actively collaborates with research partners nationally and internationally and provides students with an academic education based on high-level scientific research.
As a member of the Faculty of Architecture, you will work on the Sint-Lucas campuses in Brussels and Ghent. Your main workplace will be determined by mutual agreement. The Department of Architecture is active in Brussels, Ghent, and Leuven.
Depending on your record and qualifications, you will be appointed or tenured in one of the senior academic staff grades: assistant professor, associate professor, professor, or full professor. Junior researchers are typically appointed assistant professor on the tenure track for 5 years; after positive evaluation, they are tenured as associate professor.
KU Leuven supports foreign professors and their families with practical assistance in immigration, administration, housing, childcare, Dutch language learning, partner career coaching, and more.
Start-up funding of €110,000 is available for new professors without substantial other funding, appointed for at least 50%.
Interested?
For more information, contact:
- Prof. dr. Yves Schoonjans, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture (yves.schoonjans@kuleuven.be)
- Prof. dr. Rajesh Heynickx, Chair of the Department of Architecture (rajesh.heynickx@kuleuven.be)
- Prof. dr. Filip Mattens, Head of the Research Unit History, Theory and Criticism (filip.mattens@kuleuven.be)
Apply exclusively via the online application tool. For technical issues, contact solliciteren@kuleuven.be.
Include in your application (more info on the KU Leuven jobsite):
- Biosketch (max 2 pages) outlining your added value in research, education, and service (past and future plans)
- File on your five most important publications or realizations
- Extensive CV including full publication list and portfolio if applicable
- Research plan (max 5 pages), focusing on your research line and team development
- Vision on academic education and organisation (max 2 pages)
- Contribution to service activities (max 1 page)
- Vision on leadership (max 1 page)
All documents should be in English.
KU Leuven values scientific integrity and will request an integrity statement upon appointment.
KU Leuven is an equal opportunity employer encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
You can apply no later than September 25, 2025 via the online tool.
KU Leuven fosters an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment embracing diversity and open dialogue. We do not accept discrimination on any grounds.
For accessibility or support questions, contact the email address in the job posting.
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