PhD Scholarship in Kidnapping Narratives and Testimonies in Colombia and Congo (Cultural Memory Studies and Conflict Studies)
University of Antwerp
is offering a
full-time doctoral scholarship
in
cultural memory studies
and
conflict studies
for a PhD project on
kidnapping narratives and testimonies in Colombia and Congo
.
The project focuses on narratives and testimonies about kidnappings carried out by armed groups, with particular attention to the
FARC-EP
in Colombia and the
Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2000 onwards. The research combines
discourse analysis
and
fieldwork
to study the interaction between written, institutional, and oral narratives. The position is based in the
Department of Literature
in the Faculty of Arts and is connected to the
Institute of Development Policy (IOB)
.
This is a PhD opening, not a postdoctoral or master’s call. The university states that the scholarship is initially for
12 months
and may be renewed after positive evaluation for up to
four years
in total. The scholarship includes a monthly doctoral stipend according to university rates, plus
ecocheques
, an
internet-connectivity allowance
, and either a
bicycle allowance
or full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.
Eligibility highlights:
applicants should hold, or be close to obtaining, a master’s degree in Language and Literature, Translators and Interpreters, Social Sciences, Political Science, or a related discipline. Strong academic results are required. Experience in cultural memory studies and/or conflict studies is expected, while experience with narratology, discourse analysis, interviews, or other qualitative methods is an advantage. Good written and spoken English, Spanish, and French are required.
How to apply:
submit the application through the University of Antwerp online portal. Required attachments include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts, and a short research proposal (1–2 pages) with objectives, research questions, theoretical framework, methodology, and bibliography. The deadline is
7 September 2026
(midnight Brussels time). Selection interviews are scheduled for
22 September 2026
.
Supervisors:
Prof. Dr. Reindert Dhondt and Prof. Dr. Kristof Titeca.
