Instituutscoördinator Leuvens Interdisciplinair Taalinstituut (Postdoc) KU Leuven in Belgium

The Leuvens Interdisciplinair Taalinstituut (LILI – Leuven Interdisciplinary Language Institute) at KU Leuven is a dynamic platform dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research and education in language. By uniting researchers from KU Leuven's three science groups, LILI places language at the forefront of interdisciplinary inquiry and public debate, tackling major societal challenges such as the role of language in hyperdiverse societies, the relationship between language and power, and the use of large language models. The institute also builds a robust impact network with stakeholders from various sectors to address practical questions and foster knowledge co-creation.

KU Leuven aims to establish LILI as an internationally leading center, attracting scientists and students engaged in interdisciplinary language research. The institute is seeking a motivated Instituutscoördinator (Institute Coordinator) to work closely with the Board of Directors and steering committee, setting strategic directions and helping realize LILI's mission. The coordinator will be responsible for organizational and management activities, increasing international visibility, organizing networking opportunities, initiating new research collaborations, and supporting the acquisition of international research funding for LILI.

Key responsibilities include facilitating interdisciplinary contacts among institute members and external research partners through lectures, brainstorming sessions, symposia, and matchmaking events; identifying funding opportunities for interdisciplinary research; actively supporting and developing project proposals from LILI members; creating training offerings for (young) researchers with an interdisciplinary profile via summer/winter schools and microcredential modules; stimulating transdisciplinary collaboration with societal and industrial partners by building an impact network and organizing networking events; and developing LILI as a broad expertise center contributing to societal debates about language.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in setting up and managing interdisciplinary projects with consortia of various sizes. Applicants must hold a PhD in a domain aligned with LILI's research themes, possess a strong affinity for language research, and demonstrate experience in interdisciplinary research. Excellent management skills, relevant experience with the described tasks, and outstanding communication abilities are required. Candidates should be able to build an international network of contacts with both academic and non-academic partners and must have a high proficiency in Dutch and English (minimum C1 level for both languages).

The position is offered as a postdoctoral appointment (barema 44 - doctor-assistent) for two years, renewable once. A part-time appointment (80%) is negotiable. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of researchers from diverse domains and benefit from a varied and challenging mandate. KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe community, embracing diversity as a valuable asset and striving for equal opportunities.

For more information, visit the project page or contact Prof. Dr. Geert Brône ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Karen Lahousse ([email protected]). Applications must be submitted online by 10 August 2026. Selection interviews will take place on 27 August 2026. KU Leuven encourages applicants from all backgrounds and offers support for accessibility and inclusion.