Ghent University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship within the UNPACK project, based in the Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication. This interdisciplinary research opportunity focuses on fairness in asylum procedures, with a special emphasis on interpreted interactions involving refugees, officials, lawyers, and interpreters. The project integrates linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and law to examine real-life experiences and aims to develop a comprehensive framework for fairness in asylum processes. The successful candidate will conduct linguistic-ethnographic and sociolinguistic research, collaborating with a team of 8 researchers and 4 professors, including Karel Arnaut (KU Leuven), Ilse Derluyn, Katrijn Maryns, and Ellen Desmet (all Ghent University). The research is embedded in a unique partnership with the Belgian asylum administration (CGRS) and is supported by iBOF funding. The position offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment within the MULTIPLES and CESSMIR research centres. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Interpreting or Translation Studies and demonstrate high proficiency in Dutch or French, with fluency in the other language and excellent English skills. Experience or interest in qualitative research methods such as ethnography and discourse analysis is expected. Knowledge of languages spoken by refugee communities and an affinity for working with vulnerable populations are considered assets. The role requires strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills, as well as empathy, precision, and a collaborative spirit. The fellowship is fully funded for up to 48 months, with a net salary equivalent to 100% of an AAP member's salary, tax-free, and includes benefits such as 36 days of holiday leave, bridge days, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. The start date is approximately 1 September 2026. Ghent University values diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. To apply, submit a single PDF containing your CV, study results, motivation letter (max 2 pages), diploma, and a 1-page summary of your master's dissertation or recent publication to [email protected] by 15 March 2026, 23:59 CET. For further information, contact Prof. Katrijn Maryns at [email protected].

Ghent University’s Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy invites applications for a PhD fellowship within the interdisciplinary UNPACK project, focusing on fairness in asylum procedures and the wellbeing and mental health of refugees. The project integrates perspectives from social work, psychology, linguistics, law, and anthropology, and is coordinated by Professors Ilse Derluyn, Karel Arnaut, Katrijn Maryns, and Ellen Desmet. The research involves mixed-methods approaches to study the experiences of refugees, officials, interpreters, and lawyers, aiming to develop a comprehensive framework for fairness in asylum processes. The successful candidate will conduct research on mental health and wellbeing in asylum procedures, collaborate with a team of researchers and professors, and share findings both academically and publicly. The position is embedded in CESSMIR (Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees) and offers a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment. The fellowship is fully funded for up to 48 months, with a net salary, tax-free status, and benefits including 36 days of holiday, training opportunities, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in social work, educational sciences, psychology, or a related social science, and demonstrate affinity with refugee or migration issues. High proficiency in Dutch or French (with good knowledge of the other), fluency in academic English, and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods are required. Knowledge of refugee community languages and experience working with vulnerable populations are assets. The application deadline is 15 March 2026, with a start date around 1 September 2026. To apply, submit a single PDF containing your CV, study results, motivation letter, diploma copy, and a summary of your Master’s thesis or recent publication to [email protected]. For more information, contact Prof. Ilse Derluyn. Ghent University values diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Ghent University’s Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication is offering a PhD Fellowship as part of the interdisciplinary UNPACK project, which investigates fairness in asylum procedures through the intersecting lenses of linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and law. The project, coordinated by leading academics including Prof. Katrijn Maryns, Prof. Karel Arnaut, Prof. Ilse Derluyn, and Prof. Ellen Desmet, is embedded in a unique collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) in Belgium. The research focuses on the lived experiences of asylum applicants, officials, interpreters, and lawyers, using ethnographic and sociolinguistic methods to analyze discursive processes in asylum procedures. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team, develop a specific research focus in dialogue with supervisors and co-researchers, and contribute to both academic and public dissemination of findings. The position is based at Ghent University and integrates into the MULTIPLES Research Centre and CESSMIR. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics or equivalent, demonstrate affinity with refugee/asylum research, and possess strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills. Fluency in Dutch or French (with good knowledge of the other) and academic English is required. Experience with language-in-society research, qualitative methods, and working with vulnerable populations is advantageous. The fellowship is fully funded, tax-free, and offers a net salary equivalent to 100% of an AAP member, with benefits including 36 days of holiday, training opportunities, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. The initial contract is for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation. Applications are due by 15 March 2026. Candidates should submit a single PDF containing their CV, study results, motivation letter, diploma copy (if available), and a 1-page summary of their Master’s thesis or a recent academic publication to [email protected]. Selected candidates will be informed by 3 April 2026 and invited for an in-person assessment in Ghent on 20–21 April or 4–5 May 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Katrijn Maryns at [email protected].