University of Antwerp doctoral scholarship

The University of Antwerp, Department of Heritage in the Faculty of Design Sciences, is recruiting a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in Built Heritage Studies.

The PhD project focuses on augmented mapping of cocoa heritage in São Tomé and Príncipe or Ghana, depending on the candidate’s language skills. The research explores the multidimensions and multi-narratives of cocoa heritage, including tangible and intangible heritage values linked to cocoa cultivation, and aims to develop a transferable framework for mapping agricultural systems heritage.

The project is embedded in the Built Heritage group of Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES) and the Architecture and Interior (A+I) research group. The successful candidate will publish scientific articles independently and with the promotors, and will also carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks.

Research themes: built heritage, heritage studies, cocoa heritage, augmented mapping, multimodal mapping, agricultural systems heritage, climate change, people-centered heritage documentation.

Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in heritage studies or a related field such as architecture, architectural conservation, urban planning, or interior architecture; excellent academic results; C1-level English and/or Portuguese; Dutch desirable but not essential; experience in the cultural heritage sector is an advantage.

Funding: full-time doctoral scholarship for one year, renewable annually after positive evaluation for up to four years. The scholarship follows the University of Antwerp BAP doctoral scholarship scales.

Application deadline: 3 August 2026 (midnight Brussels time). Interviews are expected in the first week of September.

How to apply: submit the application via the University of Antwerp online job platform and include a motivation letter in English and an English CV. Contact Yonca Erkan for questions about the position, or [email protected] for technical questions about the application form.