An academic in Architecture and History of Architecture
Reference: 37741 / LOCI 024 / 2026
UCLouvain seeks to recruit
A full-time academic in History of Architecture
Main campus: Tournai
About us
UCLouvain is in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Founded in the heart of Europe in 1425, the university brings together 40,000 students and 6,000 staff members on 9 campuses in Brussels and Wallonia. Research and education activities are organised in 20 faculties, 23 research institutes, 5 learning centres and 18 libraries. UCLouvain also has two university hospitals.
UCLouvain is a major player in the transition to a sustainable society. The challenges of the ecological crisis are integrated into courses and the university develops numerous local projects (such as a university farm and sustainable campuses). As a digital university, UCLouvain is involved in open science and education, and trains academics in innovative teaching practices through its Louvain Learning Lab. Thanks to two science parks, the university’s research benefits from interaction with 250 companies and 3 incubators, which is fuelled further by being at the centre of a region driven by technological innovation.
UCLouvain has a long tradition of international collaborations for teaching and research through partnerships across the world. As a member of the Circle U. European University alliance, the university offers a unique opportunity to work in an environment of interconnected campuses across Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Pisa, Belgrade, Aarhus and Oslo).
The LOCI Faculty and the LAB Institute are organised over 3 sites: Louvain-la-Neuve, Brussels and Tournai. These diverse locations are conducive to the development of research interests linked to multiple local realities.
The position will be based more specifically on the Tournai site.
Job description
Within the Faculté d'architecture, d'ingénierie architecturale, d'urbanisme (LOCI) and the Louvain research institute for Landscape, Architecture, Built environment (LAB) in the Science and Technology Sector, this position will include the following teaching, research and community service duties:
1. Teaching
You will teach mainly in the field of:
2. history of architecture, from all periods and cultures, including contemporary architecture, together with the analysis of socio-economic and cultural contexts and architectural systems (structural principles and modes of composition);
3. eventually, architectural design studio, with emphasis on historical issues (general and local).
The courses will mainly be taught on the LOCI site in Tournai. However, teaching and research activities may take place at any of the other Faculty's sites.
You will teach in the various study programmes managed by the Faculty. You will also be expected to supervise Master’s theses.
4. Research
You will develop your research activities, including the lead of research programmes, in the field of history of architecture (e.g. study of works, texts, methods, prescriptions, receptions, etc.), within the context of architectural design.
You will develop your research in collaboration with researchers from the LAB institute, as well as with scholars from other institutes at UCLouvain (and elsewhere).
You will be responsible for the supervision of PhD theses.
5. In addition …
Once tenured, you will carry out various service activities and responsibilities within the institution, such as being a member of a programme committee or examination committee, or having management responsibilities within the faculty or research institute.
You will also contribute to serving society, particularly in the economic, social, cultural or development cooperation fields. Finally, you will ensure, through research and teaching activities, the university’s international visibility.
Who we’re looking for
6. Education
You have a PhD, with a thesis on a subject related to the history of architecture that gives consideration to spatial issues.
You have a master’s degree in architecture or architectural engineering, or a master’s degree in a comparable field supported by proven experience or knowledge of architecture, architectural engineering or urban planning.
7. Experience
You have a proven track record in university teaching, with evidence where possible by formal evaluations. Your scientific experience is demonstrated by publications of international standing.
You have supplemented this with an extended stay or significant experience abroad, outside the institution that awarded your doctorate.
8. Skills
You are comfortable working as part of a team of academics and integrate research results into your teaching. You are capable of conducting high-level scientific research, from obtaining funding to team management. You are creative, open to pedagogical innovation and multidisciplinary.
You can communicate in French and English. If this is not the case, you undertake to acquire a command of these two languages within two years of taking up your position. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
Specifically:
- You have experience of teaching architectural design studio;
- You have a forward-looking vision and are capable of excellence, innovation and leadership in teaching and research;
- You have experience in the professional practice of architecture or architectural engineering;
- You have the skills to combine technical and practical knowledge with architectural culture, in terms of context, use of spaces, and aesthetics.
What we offer
9. Tenure after positive assessment of the probationary period – typically four years. This type of career entitles you to a public sector pension.
10. Appointment as lecturer or professor according to your previous academic experience, as determined by the Rectoral Council.
11. Teaching load capped at 90 hours for a full-time tenure-track position, and 150 hours once tenured.
12. An attractive and progressive salary according to seniority and the promotion process.
13. A start date of 1 September 2026 at the earliest.
14. An integrated leadership and management training programme, including a range of pedagogical, linguistic and other training courses.
15. Benefits including transport, family, culture, commercial, etc.
16. Official policy that supports equal opportunities and promotes diversity within academic and all other categories of staff.
17. Specific emphasis on a work-life balance.
Practical Information
Application deadline: Wednesday 12, November 2025 at noon (UTC+1 Time Zone)
Starting date: 1st September 2026
Need more information?
Questions about this position:
Interested?
Apply only via the online application (applications submitted via any other channel will not be considered).
To be considered, your application must contain within a single PDF:
18. motivation letter (to be included in the single PDF as well as in your candidate profile);
19. current curriculum vitae (to be included in the single PDF as well as in your candidate profile);
20. copy of your official PhD diploma;
21. full publication list and summary of 3 most significant recent publications;
22. research strategy, i.e. your future 5-year research programme;
23. teaching programme, i.e. your vision and teaching methods;
24. If you are shortlisted and invited to an audition, you will be asked to submit: a Ph. D. project, with a view to taking on a doctoral student in the first year of your appointment; 3 to 5 letters of recommendation must be uploaded by your referees in accordance with the instructions you will be given.