PhD Doctoral Fellow at Ghent University, Belgium

PhD Position in Middle East Studies at Ghent University, Belgium

About the Program

This fully funded PhD position is part of the ERC-Consolidator Grant project “Polymathy and Interdisciplinarity in Premodern Islamic Epistemic Cultures (KNOW)”, led by Professor Islam Dayeh at Ghent University. The project explores the intellectual dynamics of the Islamic world between 1200–1800 CE, focusing on interdisciplinary knowledge production, transmission, and synthesis during a period of major transformation in education, libraries, and scholarly mobility. This fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of Islamic law and medicine, contributing to a deeper understanding of premodern epistemic cultures. The position is ideal for candidates interested in history of knowledge, manuscript cultures, and interdisciplinary methodologies, working within a collaborative, international academic environment.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: Ghent University
Department/Faculty: Department of Languages and Cultures (LW21)
Supervisor: Prof. Islam Dayeh
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Start Date (Anticipated): August 2025
Duration: Up to 4 years (initial contract 12 months, renewable)
Funding: Full fellowship based on AAP net salary scale, tax-free, with additional staff benefits including 36 days annual leave, training, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers
Working Hours: Full-time (100%)

Required Degree/Diploma

Master’s degree (thesis-based) in Islamic Studies, Middle East Studies, History, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, or related fields.

Research Focus/Area

Intersection of Islamic law (fiqh) and medicine (tibb)
Intellectual and professional profiles of jurist-physicians
Comparative legal and medical casuistry
Institutional and social contexts of knowledge production
Interdisciplinary approaches to ethical, bodily, and forensic questions
Premodern Islamic epistemic cultures (1200–1800 CE)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Thesis-based Master’s degree in relevant disciplines
Proficiency in Arabic and excellent command of English (written and spoken)
Ability to develop and conduct an independent research project
Willingness to relocate to Ghent

Preferred Qualifications:

Research experience in Islamic or Middle Eastern studies
Strong academic record and publication potential
Familiarity with manuscript cultures and interdisciplinary research methods
Collegial and proactive attitude with ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Key Features of the Program

Opportunity to conduct original research within a prestigious ERC-funded project
Participation in international workshops, conferences, and scholarly events
Support in organizing academic activities and public dissemination
Access to Ghent University’s extensive resources and staff benefits
Collaborative and supportive research environment

Application Process

How to Apply:

Send a single PDF file including the following documents to both Prof. Islam Dayeh (islam.dayeh@ugent.be) and Els Bourgeois (els.bourgeois@ugent.be):

Application letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Transcript of records (with translation if necessary)
Proof of Arabic and English proficiency
Research proposal (max 2000 words) outlining your doctoral project within the KNOW framework
Contact details of two referees (no reference letters required)