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KU Leuven

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PhD in Literary Studies / Translation Studies on Writer’s Residencies and World Literature KU Leuven in Belgium

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Anthropology

Funding

Full-time doctoral fellowship for four years in a collaborative environment. The appointment is initially for one year and, after positive evaluation, is extended once for three additional years. A budget for research-related expenses such as travel costs is provided.

Deadline

Sep 30, 2026

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Country

Belgium

University

KU Leuven

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Keywords

Anthropology
Sociology
Translation Studies
World Literature
Cultural Sociology
Urban Mobility
Literaturwissenschaft
Linguistics

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About this position

KU Leuven is advertising a PhD position in Literary Studies / Translation Studies on Writer’s Residencies and the Emergence of World Literature (ref. BAP-2026-552). The project is part of the larger EMLIT: Pluriactivity, Digitality, Mobility, and the Emergence of World Literature research program, which examines how contemporary world literature is shaped by unstable conditions of cultural labor, digital mediation, and mobility.

The doctoral project focuses on the role of European writer’s residencies in the making of contemporary world literature. It compares three residency contexts: Passa Porta in Brussels, the Danish Centre for Writers and Translators at Hald Hovedgaard, and the Bergman Estate on Fårö. The research combines textual analysis with sociological and ethnographic methods, including surveys of past participants, site visits, interviews, and close analysis of literary texts produced through the residencies.

The position is based at KU Leuven, with work on the Leuven campus and collaboration with researchers in Antwerp and Leuven. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team, contribute to workshops, conference panels, publications, and doctoral training, and may spend limited time on teaching or exam invigilation. Research trips in Europe are part of the project.

Eligibility highlights: an MA in Translation Studies, Literary Studies, Cultural Sociology, or a comparable degree; excellent English; Scandinavian or other multilingual skills are an asset; strong interest in contemporary literature, translation studies, and the social life of literature; and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with others.

Funding: full-time doctoral fellowship for four years, initially for one year and renewable for three more years after positive evaluation, plus a research budget for travel and related expenses.

Deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59 CET. Applications must be submitted in English through the online application tool. Required documents include a CV with BA/MA grades, a motivation letter, a writing sample of up to 20 pages, and contact details for two references. Shortlisted applicants will later be asked to prepare a 4-page research proposal for interview.

Funding details

Full-time doctoral fellowship for four years in a collaborative environment. The appointment is initially for one year and, after positive evaluation, is extended once for 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, Cultural Sociology, or a comparable degree. Very high proficiency in English is required; Scandinavian language skills or other multilingual abilities are an asset. Candidates should be strongly interested in contemporary literature, the social life of literature beyond the page, and collaborative interdisciplinary research. Strong writing and speaking skills, ability to work independently, and willingness to liaise with literary artists and professional organizations are expected.

How to apply

Apply in English via the online application tool by 30 September 2026. 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 4-page research proposal.

More information can be found here

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