About the Program
KU Leuven invites applications for a fully-funded PhD in Early Modern Colonial Ethnohistory & Social Archaeology titled “Tracing demographic and settlement developments in the boundary in the Northern Mariana Islands, 16th-17th centuries” at the Faculty of Arts, History Department. This doctoral position focuses on reconstructing indigenous ways of life, settlement patterns, and plant use in the Pacific Islands before and during early European colonial contact, addressing the demographic, ecological, and cultural impacts of 16th–17th century European activities. The project will be supervised by Angela Schottenhammer and aligns with the research theme of the PacificPeopleForest consortium, promoting interdisciplinary study across history, archaeology, and ecology. The research duration is 3 years and is based in Leuven, Belgium, with an expected start date of February 2026. The position offers opportunities for archival research, fieldwork in the Northern Mariana Islands, international collaboration, and professional academic development within a global network of scholars.
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Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: KU Leuven
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of Arts, History Department
- Supervisor: Angela Schottenhammer
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Start Date (Anticipated): February 2026
- Duration: 3 years
- Funding: Fully-funded through Marie Curie Doctoral Network (Horizon Europe – MSCA)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent in History or a comparable discipline with a strong focus on early modern or colonial studies
Research Focus/Area
- Early Modern History
- Colonial Ethnohistory
- Social Archaeology
- Demography and Settlement Studies
- Pacific Islands Studies
- Historical Ecology and Plant Use
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in History or related discipline
- Strong knowledge of early modern European, especially Spanish, paleography
- Experience in archival research
- Excellent English, very good Spanish, basic Dutch, ideally some French
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in early modern history or archaeology
- Knowledge of IT and GIS technology
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
Key Features of the Program
- Fieldwork in European archives and Northern Mariana Islands
- Structured collaboration with 5 other PhD students in the consortium
- Opportunities for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- International research environment with workshops and networking
- Access to cross-disciplinary expertise in history, archaeology, and ecology
Application Process
- How to Apply: Via KU Leuven official job portal
- Required Documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Research statement
- Letters of recommendation
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: Now
- Deadline: 15 December 2025
- Interviews: To be notified
Where to Apply:
- University Website: KU Leuven Faculty of Arts
- Official Notification: KU Leuven Job Posting
- Application Portal: Apply Here
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