PhD Fellowship in Linguistics, Anthropology, Psychology, and Law – Asylum Procedure Research at Ghent University Ghent University in Belgium

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].