About the Program
The University of Liège invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Social Anthropology titled “MITIME DR12: Silenced Moments – Memories, Futures and Diaspora” at CEDEM – Centre for Ethnic and Migration Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences. This doctoral position examines how migration narratives, silences, memories, and future imaginaries shape identity, belonging, and social inclusion in post-industrial urban Europe, with Liège, Belgium, as the primary case study. The research is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network MITIME (Entanglements of Migration and Time), which challenges linear models of migration by foregrounding temporality, inequality, and multidirectional mobility. The project is supervised by Dr Elsa Mescoli (University of Liège) with co-supervision from Dr Özlem Altan (Koç University). The PhD runs for 36 months, begins in September 2026, and offers extensive international training and academic mobility.
Program Details
- Position: Doctoral Researcher (PhD Position)
- Institution: University of Liège
- Department/Faculty: CEDEM – Faculty of Social Sciences
- Supervisor: Dr Elsa Mescoli (Main), Dr Özlem Altan (Co-supervisor)
- Location: Liège, Belgium
- Start Date (Anticipated): September 2026
- Duration: 3 years (36 months)
- Funding: Fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship (Horizon Europe)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent in Anthropology, Social Sciences, Migration Studies, or a closely related field
Where Did We Come From? Turn the Page and See
Research Focus / Area
- Social anthropology of migration
- Memories, silences, and diasporic narratives
- Temporality and migration trajectories
- Urban migration and social inclusion
- Identity formation and future-making
- Qualitative and ethnographic research methods
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Strong academic background in social or cultural anthropology
- Excellent English language proficiency
- Good working knowledge of French
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research interest in migration, diaspora, and urban studies
- Experience with qualitative or ethnographic methods
- Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment
- Strong analytical writing and communication skills
Funding & Benefits
- Living allowance: €4,010 per month (before deductions)
- Mobility allowance: €710 per month
- Family allowance: €660 per month (if applicable)
- Funding provided for 36 months under MSCA regulations
- Possibility of an additional funded year at the University of Liège after MSCA completion
- Access to international training, networking, and secondments within the MITIME network
Mobility Requirement
Applicants must not have lived, worked, or studied in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months prior to the start date, in line with MSCA mobility rules, except for specific permitted cases.
Key Features of the Program
- Fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship
- Embedded in a prestigious European Doctoral Network
- International supervision and cross-country collaboration
- Strong focus on migration, time, and inequality
- High-level academic training and professional development
- Excellent research environment at CEDEM, University of Liège
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted via the official CEDEM application webpage following the MITIME guidelines.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Research motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Any additional documents specified in the official job description
Important Dates
- Applications Open: December 2025
- Deadline: 1 February 2026
- Start Date: September 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Liège
- Official Notification: CEDEM – MITIME Doctoral Network
- Application Portal: click here
For more PhD opportunities: click here
