ERC

The University of Antwerp is recruiting for the ERC-funded project WALLS2BRIDGES, which studies how prison communities produce media and how these practices reshape understandings of justice across France, Türkiye, the UK, and the US.

Four funded PhD positions are available, each with a different research focus: Media & Prison Studies (France), Arts & Prison Studies (UK), Media & Prison Studies (US), and Media & Prison Studies (US & UK). The project examines prison-made media such as letters, newspapers, podcasts, radio, TikTok, films, and digital platforms, and aims to build a transnational archive of prison-produced media.

Research themes include media studies, prison studies, journalism, arts, education, carceral studies, justice, NGOs, and community storytelling. The positions are especially relevant for candidates with a master’s degree in media studies, sociology, anthropology, criminology, education, or a related field. Depending on the track, applicants should have fluency in English and, for the France position, French as well. Experience with qualitative methods, archival research, ethnography, discourse analysis, or collaborative research is valued.

The project is based at the University of Antwerp, with extended research stays in the relevant country. The PhD scholarship is initially for one year and may be renewed for three additional years after positive evaluation. Funding includes the standard doctoral scholarship amount plus eco cheques, internet allowance, and commuting support.

The application deadline is 2026-06-15. Applicants must apply via the University of Antwerp online portal and submit a CV, motivation letter, writing sample, transcript/diploma, and a short research proposal tailored to the chosen project track. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are planned for July 2026.

There is also a separate part-time Project Coordinator (50%) role supporting project coordination, stakeholder engagement, digital dissemination, ethics, and reporting.