KU Leuven
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PhD in Literary Studies / Translation Studies on Pluriactive Literary Labor and World Literature KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Full-time doctoral fellowship for four years. The appointment is initially for one year and, after positive evaluation, can be extended once by three additional years. A budget for research-related expenses such as travel costs is provided.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven
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About this position
PhD opportunity in Literary Studies / Translation Studies at KU Leuven
The Faculty of Arts at KU Leuven is recruiting a PhD candidate for the project Pluriactive Literary Labor and the Infrastructures of World Literature, part of the larger EMLIT: Pluriactivity, Digitality, Mobility, and the Emergence of World Literature research program. The project is based at the Antwerp campus, with close collaboration across Antwerp and Leuven.
The research investigates how emerging literary artists in Europe—writers, translators, and other literary professionals—build careers through pluriactivity, digital mediation, and mobility. It focuses on the Connecting Emerging Literary Artists (CELA) network across 11 European countries and uses surveys, role-mapping, interviews, focus groups, and paired text/context analysis to study literary careers, mediation networks, and the production of literary value.
This is a full-time doctoral fellowship for four years. The appointment starts for one year and may be extended by three years after positive evaluation. Research-related expenses, including travel, are supported. The ideal starting date is 1 January 2027, and the position requires regular presence on the Antwerp campus plus periodic travel to Leuven.
Eligibility highlights: an MA in Translation Studies, Literary Studies, Publishing Studies, Cultural Sociology, or a comparable degree; very strong English; multilingual skills; interest in contemporary literature and the social life of literature; collaborative working style; strong communication skills; and the ability to engage with literary artists and professional organizations.
How to apply: submit your application in English via the KU Leuven online tool by 30 September 2026. Include a CV with BA/MA grades, a motivation letter, a writing sample (max. 20 pages), and contact details for two references. Shortlisted applicants will later be asked to prepare a short research proposal for the interview.
Funding details
Full-time doctoral fellowship for four years. The appointment is initially for one year and, after positive evaluation, can be extended once by three additional years. A budget for research-related expenses such as travel costs is provided.
What's required
Applicants must hold an MA in Translation Studies, Literary Studies, Publishing Studies, Cultural Sociology, or a comparable degree. Very high proficiency in English and multilingual skills are required. The candidate should be passionate about contemporary literature, interested in the social life of literature beyond the page, able to work collaboratively, communicate excellently in writing and speech, and independently liaise with literary artists and professional organizations.
How to apply
Apply online in English by 30 September 2026 through KU Leuven’s application tool. Submit a CV with BA and MA grades, a motivation letter, a writing sample of up to 20 pages, and contact details for two references. Shortlisted candidates will later be asked for a research proposal.
More information can be found here
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