Fully Funded PhD in Ethnobotanical History at KU Leuven

About the Program

The KU Leuven invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Early Modern Ethnobotanical History of Pacific Islands, exploring the history of plant introductions into the Mariana Islands from early colonial times to the 20th century. Supervised by Prof. Dr Angela Schottenhammer, this research forms part of the prestigious Marie Curie Doctoral Network project – PacificPeopleForest, which integrates history, archaeology, and botany. The position offers the opportunity to reconstruct the long-term environmental history of the Northern Mariana Islands through archival research, oral histories, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates will engage in international fieldwork, work closely with a global team of six PhD researchers, and contribute to understanding the historical impact of colonial empires on Pacific island ecosystems.

Program Details

Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: KU Leuven
Department/Faculty: Faculty of Arts – Crossroads Research Centre
Supervisor: Prof. Dr Angela Schottenhammer
Location: Leuven, Belgium
Start Date (Anticipated): February 2026
Duration: 3 years (1-year contract with 2-year extension after evaluation)
Funding: Fully funded (Marie Curie Doctoral Network fellowship)
Working Hours: Full-time
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in History, Ethnobotany, or related field

Research Focus/Area

Early Modern Ethnobotanical History of Pacific Islands
Environmental History and Plant Introductions in the Mariana Islands
Colonial Impacts on Ecosystems (Spanish, German, Japanese, US periods)
Archival Research and Oral History
Comparative Study of Colonial Environmental Impacts

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in History or a related field (Ethnobotany, History of Science)
Solid background in European and Pacific colonial history
Strong palaeographical and archival research skills
Excellent command of English

Preferred Qualifications:

Good working knowledge of Spanish and Dutch (or German); French is an asset
Familiarity with GIS and IT tools
Experience in ethnobotanical or environmental historical research
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in international settings

Key Features of the Programme

Participation in the PacificPeopleForest international consortium
Access to cross-disciplinary training across history, archaeology, and botany
Archival fieldwork in Europe and the Northern Mariana Islands
Collaboration with five other PhD researchers
Opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences
Access to KU Leuven’s Crossroads Research Centre for global history research