About the Program
KU Leuven invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Early Modern Colonial Ethnohistory and Social Archaeology, focusing on demographic and settlement developments in the Northern Mariana Islands. Supervised by Prof. Dr Angela Schottenhammer, this position is part of the prestigious Marie Curie Doctoral Network project “PacificPeopleForest” under the Horizon Europe programme. The research reconstructs indigenous lifeways and European colonial impacts in the Pacific during the 16th and 17th centuries, combining archival research, palaeography, and archaeology. This interdisciplinary project contributes to understanding long-term ecological and social changes in the Pacific Islands through collaboration with five other PhD researchers within an international consortium. The position offers exceptional opportunities for archival fieldwork, international training, and scholarly publication at one of Europe’s top universities.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Position in Early Modern Colonial Ethnohistory & Social Archaeology
- Institution: KU Leuven
- Department/Faculty: Department of Early Modern History
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr Angela Schottenhammer
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 February 2026
- Duration: 3 years (1-year contract with a 2-year extension after evaluation)
- Funding: Fully funded through Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Grant No. 101226735)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in History (preferably Early Modern, World, or Spanish American History) or a related discipline with historical focus
Research Focus/Area
- Early Modern Colonial History and Ethnohistory
- Social Archaeology and Historical Demography
- European Colonial Impacts in the Pacific (16th–17th centuries)
- Spanish Paleography and Archival Studies
- Plant Use, Ecology, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in History or a closely related field with a historical focus
- Excellent command of English
- Strong proficiency in early modern Spanish paleography and archival research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Spanish, Dutch, and basic French
- Familiarity with European colonial activities in the Mariana Islands and the Pacific region
- Basic IT and GIS skills
- Experience in interdisciplinary research and teamwork
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork in European archives and the Northern Mariana Islands
Key Features of the Programme
- Participation in the PacificPeopleForest Marie Curie Doctoral Network
- Access to KU Leuven’s Crossroads Research Centre for Early Modern Global History
- International and interdisciplinary research environment
- Archival and fieldwork opportunities across Europe and the Pacific
- Regular workshops, training sessions, and consortium meetings
- Publication and conference presentation opportunities
- Pathway to a PhD degree from KU Leuven
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your CV, academic diplomas, and two reference letters via KU Leuven’s official job portal.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic Diplomas
- Two Reference Letters
- Cover Letter (optional but recommended)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 4 November 2025
- Deadline: 30 November 2025 (23:59 UTC)
- Interviews: Early December 2025 (online)
- Start Date: 1 February 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: KU Leuven
- Official Notification: PhD Position in Early Modern Colonial Ethnohistory & Social Archaeology – KU Leuven
- Application Portal: Apply Now via KU Leuven Jobsite
Learn about more PhD opportunities: HigherJobz.com
