Organisation/Company University of Antwerp Research Field Cultural studies » Other History » Modern history Sociology » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 1 Jun 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The Department of History in the Faculty of Arts is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of history .
Position
You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on the history of midwifery in 20th-century Belgian Congo at University of Antwerp. This PhD project is part of a larger FWO-funded project, which also includes a PhD project on the history of midwifery in Belgium to be carried out at Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB). The project as a whole aims to generate fresh insight into the continuing importance of midwives in reproductive care in Belgium and the Belgian Congo between 1908 and 1960. Although women across the globe handled the lion’s share of deliveries and combined different reproductive care roles far into the 20th century, a comprehensive history of their variety of practices and roles still needs to be written. To this end, you will collaborate closely with the other PhD researcher, based VUB, to develop a practice-oriented methodology that prioritizes source material offering insights into midwifery practices and the perspective of midwives, and to examine the mutual influences between Belgium and the Belgian Congo.
You will publish scientific articles related to the research project and will present your work at international conferences and workshops.
You will disseminate your research results to broader audiences through blog posts, opinion pieces and public lectures.
You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of History and the Centre for Urban History.
Profile
You hold a Master degree in History, African Studies, or another relevant discipline; Candidates who have not yet obtained their degree, need to be able to present their diploma by the start of the project.
Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
You have very good command of English and French. Knowledge of Lingala, Kikongo or other languages spoken in the DR Congo is an asset.
You have strong intercultural competences. You are committed to conducting field research in the DRCongo and are able to flexibly adjust to challenging circumstances.
Experience with colonial archives or oral history is an asset.
What we offer
We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
The planned start date is 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
You will do most of your work at Stadscampus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
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