PhD Position in Law, Social Sciences, and Colonial Redress at Ghent University Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University in Belgium is offering a PhD position (Doctoral Fellow) at the Department of European, Public and International Law, focusing on the Justice Visions project. This FWO-funded research investigates Belgium’s colonial past, with a particular emphasis on initiatives for redress and repair, including material, symbolic, institutional, and relational responses to colonial harm. The project explores how grassroots actors, institutions, and civil society initiatives articulate, legitimize, and pursue redress, as well as the interactions and tensions among these initiatives.

The research approach is mixed-methods and actor-centered, involving qualitative interviews, participant observation, document analysis, and network mapping. Participatory research is a key component, with an emphasis on co-creating outputs with research participants. The successful candidate will refine the research design in dialogue with supervisors and participants, conduct empirical data collection and analysis, and engage in reporting. Additional responsibilities include participating in doctoral school training, workshops, conferences, and limited teaching and outreach activities.

Applicants must have an MA, MSc, or LLM in law, social sciences, political sciences, anthropology, or a related field. Fluency in English and the language spoken by actors in the chosen case study is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and have experience in co-creative, participatory research. Assets include knowledge of Belgium’s colonial history, multidisciplinary training or research experience, familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods, and social media or outreach skills.

The position offers a full-time PhD fellowship, initially for 12 months and extendable up to 48 months. The salary is 100% net AAP member (tax-free, dependent on family status and seniority), with benefits such as 36 days of annual leave, training opportunities, a bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. The start date is 1 September 2026 (negotiable).

To apply, candidates must submit a single PDF to [email protected] with the filename and subject line 'LASTNAME_FirstName_Belgium'. The application should include a cover letter (max 500 words), CV, research statement (max 1,000 words), transcript of degree, one academic recommendation letter, and a writing sample (max 10,000 words). The selection process involves a longlist, a home-based written assignment, and interviews, with offers extended by May 2026. The application deadline is 15 March 2026.