Doctoral Fellow in Romantic Studies, Translation, and Media at Ghent University Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University invites applications for a fully funded four-year doctoral fellowship in the Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication. The position is part of a project awarded to Prof Dr Brecht de Groote by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), titled "Recovering the British-French Romantic Media Concept by Recomposing Transnational Impostures." The research focuses on the circulation and transnational exchanges of hoaxes, misinformation, and disinformation during the Romantic period, particularly between Britain and France.

As a doctoral researcher, you will work closely with Prof Dr Brecht de Groote and an advisory doctoral committee, compiling and analyzing a corpus of texts using close reading and digital methods. The project aims to understand how writers and translators identified, created, disseminated, or thwarted misinformation across borders. You will pursue a doctoral dissertation and degree, present and publish your findings nationally and internationally, and participate in limited teaching and administrative duties. At least 80% of your assignment will be dedicated to academic research.

The position is based at the Faculty of Arts & Philosophy, primarily within the TRACE (Translation & Culture) Research Group. Ghent University offers a dynamic, supportive, and well-connected environment for researchers at all career stages. The contract starts on 1 October 2026 at the earliest, with an initial 12-month period, extendable up to 48 months following a positive evaluation. The fellowship provides a full-time salary (100% of net salary for AAP staff, determined by family status and seniority), is not subject to income tax, and includes a yearly bench fee for professional expenses such as conferences, equipment, and specialist courses. Staff benefits include training opportunities, 36 days of annual leave, and additional fixed bridge days.

Applicants must hold or obtain a Master’s degree by the start date in a relevant field (e.g., Literature, Translation Studies, Comparative Literature, History, Language and Literature, Cultural Studies, Philosophy). Strong analytic and communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and an excellent command of English (with at least reading comprehension of French) are required. Applications should include a cover letter, CV with references, degree certificate (or expected date), transcripts, and a single-authored academic writing sample (max. 5,000 words). If the degree is not in English or a Belgian national language, a translation must be provided.

To apply, send your materials in a single PDF to Prof Dr Brecht de Groote ([email protected]) with the subject line "FWO26 PhD Application" by 1 June 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, including a short presentation on how they would approach a case study within the project. Online interviews are available for those unable to travel. Ghent University encourages applications from all backgrounds and maintains an equal opportunity and diversity policy.

For further information about salary scales and staff benefits, visit salary scales and staff benefits. More about the supervisor and research group can be found at Brecht de Groote's profile and TRACE Research Group. The direct application link is here.