Doctoral Fellow in Applied Linguistics (Spanish Focus) – Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University’s Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication invites applications for a doctoral fellow position focused on Applied Linguistics with a Spanish specialization. This opportunity is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to launch their academic journey in a vibrant, research-driven environment. The Spanish Section is offering three six-month start-up grants, providing a supportive platform for candidates to develop their research ideas and prepare for a full PhD trajectory.

As a doctoral fellow, you will engage in research activities aligned with your expertise, such as preparing at least one academic publication, collaborating within the Spanish Department, and developing a research grant application for the FWO (March 2027). You will also contribute up to 20% of your time to support ongoing research projects. The position is full-time, with a contract starting as early as September 1, 2026, and offers a competitive fellowship amount based on Ghent University’s salary scales. The grant is free of personal income tax and includes a range of staff benefits, such as extensive training opportunities, 36 days of annual holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Multilingual Communication, Interpreting, Translation, or Language and Literature, with a specialization in Spanish. A strong academic record and an excellent Master’s thesis are essential. Candidates should have concrete research ideas for a PhD in areas including language technology, foreign language teaching, discourse analysis in digital contexts, communicative and technological dynamics in migration contexts, or intermedial and intercultural mediation in audiovisual contexts, all applied to Spanish. Residency in Belgium from September 2026 to February 2027 is required, and applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for submitting an FWO application.

Ghent University is renowned for its commitment to education, research, and diversity, employing over 15,000 staff across 11 faculties and 85 departments. The university offers state-of-the-art study programmes and fosters an inclusive environment where all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The Spanish Section is particularly active in research on multilingual communication, translation, and interpreting, providing a dynamic setting for doctoral research.

To apply, submit your CV, diploma (if available), motivation letter, and a research proposal (maximum 3 A4 pages) to Prof. Patrick Goethals at [email protected] by June 30, 2026. Decisions will be communicated by July 14, 2026. For further information, consult the FWO eligibility requirements or contact Prof. Goethals directly. Applications can also be submitted via the provided online portal.

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance your academic career in Applied Linguistics, with a focus on Spanish, at one of Europe’s leading universities. Join Ghent University and contribute to innovative research in translation, interpreting, and communication.