PhD Position in Literary Studies / Translation Studies: Digital Magazines and the Emergence of Contemporary World Literature KU Leuven in Belgium

KU Leuven’s Faculty of Arts is offering a four-year PhD position in Literary Studies / Translation Studies on the project “Digital Magazines and the Emergence of Contemporary World Literature.” The position is part of the broader EMLIT research program, which investigates pluriactivity, digitality, and mobility as key features of how world literature is produced and circulated today.

The doctoral project is based at KU Leuven’s Leuven campus, with close collaboration across the university’s Antwerp and Leuven research environments. The work is situated within the research groups Translation & Intercultural Transfer and English Literature. KU Leuven presents the project as part of a collaborative and international research setting focused on transnational literature and translation studies.

The project examines contemporary digital literary magazines—such as Asymptote—as important outlets for emerging world literature. It asks how curatorial and translation strategies shape professional identities, textual forms, and the circulation of authors across borders. The successful candidate will map the textual output, source languages, topics, authors, and translators featured in the selected magazines; analyze mission statements, introductory materials, and other digital epitexts; compare selected issues; and interview editors and authors. The dissertation will offer a comprehensive analysis of the role of digital literary magazines in the making of contemporary world literature.

The successful PhD researcher will work closely with the project’s supervisors and institutional partners, disseminate findings through journal articles, edited volumes, conference papers, and workshops, and participate in doctoral training. The role also includes limited teaching or support duties and exam invigilation. The expected working pattern includes regular presence on the Leuven campus and periodic meetings in Antwerp.

Funding: the position is advertised as a full-time doctoral fellowship for four years. The appointment starts for one year and, after a positive evaluation, is extended for three additional years. A budget for research-related expenses, including travel, is provided.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold an MA in Translation Studies, Literary Studies, or a comparable degree; have excellent English and multilingual abilities; and either already know or be ready to learn digital humanities methods. The ideal candidate is strongly interested in contemporary literature, literary circulation, and the lived social dimensions of literature, and is comfortable working collaboratively across disciplines.

Application window: deadline 2026-09-30. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 2026-10-06 and interviews are scheduled for 2026-10-12 to 2026-10-23. The ideal starting date is 2027-01-01, subject to visa and relocation arrangements.