PhD Funding: 1-Year position in classical Latin Literature (Belgium)
Are you interested in pursuing PhD research abroad in the field of Latin literature, as part of an international and innovative research community?
The KU Leuven Latin Literature Department is offering a one-year funded PhD position in the field of classical Latin literature, suited to a candidate interested in the topic of consolatory literature, classical literature on death and/or its reception in humanist literature.
Start date: 1 October 2023.
Interested candidates should send the following materials to Ide François (ide.francois@kuleuven.be) by Sunday 6 August 2023:
a comprehensive CV (including the contact details of two academic references);
copies of BA and MA diplomas and a list of grades (if the MA has not yet been completed, a signed statement from the thesis supervisor confirming that the degree will be completed by the starting date of the position should be provided);
a 1-page personal statement (in English);
an extensive writing sample (e.g., a (section of) the candidate’s MA thesis; a substantial paper, article, or conference presentation).
Shortlisted candidates will be notified in the second half of August and invited for an interview (online if needed) on 23-25 August 2023.
Candidate’s profile:
MA degree in Classics, Latin, or a related field by 1 October 2023;
Excellent knowledge of Latin;
Excellent oral and written command of English;
Reading knowledge of relevant modern languages (e.g., German, Italian, French) or ability and willingness to acquire this;
Interest in classical consolatory literature and literature on death and in the application of interdisciplinary approaches to the subject (literature, linguistics, history of emotions, digital humanities). The specific topic will be decided by mutual agreement, but proposing own ideas is strongly encouraged;
Willingness and ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
Willingness to pursue an academic qualification;
Knowledge of ancient Greek and Dutch are highly recommended and will be considered an advantage.
Candidate’s tasks:
Developing a PhD project;
Acquiring additional funding, in the first place by writing an application for an FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research; potential candidates are asked to check the eligibility requirements of the fellowship.
Giving lectures at national and international conferences and writing scientific articles and contributions.
You will be integrated into a research unit and participate in the scientific activities and interaction within this research unit. In this context, you may be assigned limited teaching and supporting tasks at the university.
KU Leuven’s offer:
This vacancy concerns an appointment as PhD scholarship holder (100%) for an initial period of one year (approx. 2000-2500 euro per month; for more details, see here). If the doctoral research progresses well, and if additional funding is acquired, the appointment can be extended in order to complete a full PhD (4 years).
Academic guidance in the writing of the dissertation and in preparing the application for an FWO PhD Fellowship;
An attractive and international academic research environment, with junior and senior scholars performing cutting-edge research on classical, patristic, and Neo-Latin literature, in collaboration with researchers in the departments of Greek literature, ancient history, digital humanities, philosophy, and theology;
More information on doing a PhD at KU Leuven Faculty of Arts can be found here: “Becoming an Arts Researcher”.
“The selected candidate is expected to reside in Belgium for the duration of his/her/their contract. KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.”
For further information, contact: Ide François at ide.francois@kuleuven.be.