PhD Position in the Ancient History Research Group KU Leuven in Belgium

The Ancient History Research Group at KU Leuven is offering a PhD position within the MeaGRE project, Meat in Greco-Roman Egypt: An Interdisciplinary Approach. The project investigates ancient meat consumption in Greco-Roman Egypt, challenging common assumptions that Mediterranean diets were predominantly plant-based and that meat was mainly a luxury or occasional food. Using textual and archaeological evidence, the project aims to reconstruct the origin, processing, institutional setting, socio-economic context, and dietary role of meat in the ancient world.

The advertised doctoral project focuses on textual sources, especially Greek papyrological texts, together with a limited corpus of Greek and Latin literary and epigraphic materials. Relevant Egyptian sources will be supplied through collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher. The project is embedded in a broader research environment at KU Leuven, involving ancient historians, papyrologists, archaeologists, and Egyptologists, and connected to networks and initiatives such as Trismegistos+, ICAG, and AGROS.

The successful candidate will join a stimulating academic environment and work closely with the principal investigators Prof. Dr. Katelijn Vandorpe and Prof. Dr. Stefan Baumann, as well as a postdoctoral researcher. In addition to doctoral research, the role includes contributions to teaching activities and at least one exam invigilation duty per examination period.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Ancient History or in Languages and Literature (Greek and another language, preferably Latin), or an equivalent qualification. Students completing one of these degrees in the 2025–2026 academic year may also apply. A strong academic record is expected, along with excellent Ancient Greek and a demonstrated interest in papyrology. Basic knowledge of Ancient Egyptian, particularly Demotic, is an advantage but not mandatory. Candidates should also have excellent written and spoken communication skills in Dutch and English and be willing to present research at conferences and to wider audiences.

The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship for four years, subject to a positive evaluation after the first year. The appointment is expected to start on 1 November 2026. Applications require a CV and motivation letter and must be submitted by 24 August 2026. Interviews are expected in the first week of September 2026, with online participation possible if needed.