PhD Position in Social Sciences at University of Antwerp, Belgium – Fieldwork in India
About the Program
The University of Antwerp invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Visual and Digital Cultures as part of the prestigious ERC-funded project “ReWorkChange – Remote Work and Social Change”. This doctoral research focuses on understanding the impact of remote work on society through long-term ethnographic fieldwork in India. Under the guidance of Prof. Elisabetta Costa, the project uses anthropological and digital ethnographic methods to study how digital work practices influence social institutions like family, friendship, and household dynamics.
The selected candidate will join the Visual and Digital Cultures Research Centre (ViDi), an internationally recognized research hub at the Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Scholarship
- Institution: University of Antwerp
- Department/Faculty: Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Costa
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium (Research fieldwork in India)
- Start Date: October 1, 2025
- Duration: 4 Years (2 + 2, subject to evaluation)
- Funding: Full Scholarship with stipend as per BAP scale, internet and transport allowance, ecocheques
- Working Hours: Full-Time (100%)
Research Focus/Area
- Project Title: Remote Work and Social Change: An Anthropological Approach (ReWorkChange)
- Focus Areas:
- Ethnographic study of remote work practices
- Social impact on families, homes, and personal relationships
- Digital anthropology and always-on-connectivity
- Comparative cross-cultural analysis (India, China, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Turkey)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, Media and Communication Studies, or related disciplines (by October 2025)
- Fluency in Hindi and excellent English writing and speaking skills
- Solid foundation in qualitative research methodologies
- Willingness to conduct long-term ethnographic fieldwork in India
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in visual/digital ethnography
- Background in remote work studies or digital culture research
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborative scholarship
Key Features of the Program
- Funded through the ERC Consolidator Grant (ReWorkChange)
- Integrated into the vibrant ViDi research center
- International collaboration with researchers from six countries
- Training and support through the Antwerp Doctoral School
- Opportunities for conference participation and co-authorship
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform.
Required Documents:
- Motivation Letter
- Academic CV
- One-page PhD proposal related to the ReWorkChange project
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: Already open
- Deadline: 22nd May 2025 (midnight Brussels time)
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in June 2025
Where to Apply:
- University Website: University of Antwerp – Vacancies
- Application Portal: Apply Online Here
- Job Posting Link: Click here to view
