PhD in History at University of Antwerp, Belgium

About the Program

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in History within the Faculty of Arts. The project, Historicizing Healing, takes a fresh actor-centred approach to examine how healing was understood and experienced in early modern Europe. It explores intersections between dis/ability, gender, religion, and medicine using ego-documents from a variety of linguistic and social backgrounds. This interdisciplinary research will be supervised by Dr Julia Heinemann and is based in the Department of History, as part of the “Power in History” (PoHis) centre. The project combines perspectives from medical history, disability history, the history of religion, and the body, offering the successful candidate a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at a top European university.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Scholarship
Institution: University of Antwerp
Department/Faculty: Department of History, Faculty of Arts
Supervisor: Dr Julia Heinemann
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Start Date (Anticipated): 1 October 2025 (or soon after)
Duration: 4 years (initial 2 years, renewable upon evaluation)
Funding: Full doctoral scholarship; monthly amount as per Contract Research Staff pay scales
Working Hours (if applicable): Full-time (100%)
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in History (completed before start date)

Research Focus/Area

Early Modern History
Disability History
Medical History
History of Religion
Gender and Social Status in Historical Contexts
Actor-centred historical methodology
Ego-documents and multilingual source analysis

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in History
Excellent academic results
Strong interest in early modern historical research
Fluency in English and at least one additional language (preferably Dutch, German, or French)

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with medical, body, or disability history
Capacity to analyse historical texts in multiple languages
Knowledge of gender studies or religious history a plus
Motivation to pursue long-term academic research

Key Features of the Program

Embedded within the PoHis (Power in History) research group
Interdisciplinary supervision and collaboration
Access to diverse historical archives and international research networks
Opportunity to publish, teach, and present internationally
Inclusive and supportive academic environment
Research aligned with University of Antwerp’s HR Excellence in Research standards

Application Process

How to Apply:

Apply via the University of Antwerp’s online job platform by completing the application form and uploading the required documents.

Required Documents:

Motivation letter explaining interest in the topic and preferred period/region of study
Academic CV
Master’s thesis
Preliminary transcript of BA and MA studies