Doctoral Assistant in Interior Architecture University of Antwerp in Belgium

The University of Antwerp’s Faculty of Design Sciences is recruiting a doctoral assistant in interior architecture within the Interior Architecture programme. This is a full-time academic position with a strong research component: at least half of your working time is devoted to research, alongside teaching and service activities. The post is aimed at candidates with a doctorate in interior architecture or architecture, or those who will have completed their PhD by the starting date.

The research focus is interior design theory and history. The successful candidate will conduct high-quality scientific research, publish academic outputs, and work toward external research funding opportunities, including an FWO-postdoc application. You will also contribute to the activities of the research group A+I and may assist with ongoing research projects where postdoctoral expertise is useful. The position places clear emphasis on research valorisation, academic publication, and the development of new research directions in interior architecture.

Teaching responsibilities include supporting and delivering classes in Interior History & Theory 1, Academic Skills 2, Lab Initiation, and Design Lab 1. You will contribute to student-centred and competence-driven programme development and supervise students preparing their Master’s theses. In addition, you will take part in the broader academic and societal service activities of the programme, including student recruitment events such as SID-ins and info days.

The profile calls for relevant research experience in interior design theory and history, strong teaching competence, and evidence of expertise through publications, exhibitions, or completed interior design realisations. Experience publishing in well-ranked peer-reviewed journals and conferences is expected, and studio teaching experience is recommended. Candidates should also have several years of relevant professional design practice. Since the administrative language of the university is Dutch, applicants who do not yet speak Dutch must be willing to achieve CEFR B2 proficiency, and CEFR C1 will be required once teaching coordination duties begin.

The appointment is for three years and may be renewed once after positive evaluation. Salary is set according to the doctoral assistant pay scale for Academic Assistant Staff (AAP), with additional benefits such as ecocheques, internet connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement. The planned start date is 1 February 2027. Most work will take place at the City Campus, site Mutsaard in Antwerp, Belgium.

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp online platform by 20 October 2026 at midnight Brussels time. Applicants should include a motivation letter, an academic CV, and a 7–10 page research plan in English covering research aims, stages, methods, valorisation, plans for external grant acquisition, and the launch and development of new research directions in interior architecture. Interviews are scheduled for 19 November 2026 in the afternoon.

For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]. For questions about the role, contact Prof. Dr. Els De Vos or Prof. Dr. Sara Eloy via their university email addresses.