Postdoctoral Researcher in Architectural History – Ghent University, Belgium | Early Modern Manuscript Research Position. This postdoctoral role focuses on preparing a critical edition of Francesco di Giorgio’s Opusculum de architectura. The position is based within the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Ghent University and focuses on early modern architectural studies. In this role, the successful candidate will contribute to the critical edition through detailed manuscript investigation and support its academic publication.
The opprtunity include close analysis of historical documents, catalogues, and sources dated between 1500 and 1600. In addition, the researcher will review, develop, and refine scholarly entries. The position requires careful interpretation of historical material and ongoing research in major archives and libraries in Florence and Siena.
Applicants are expected to have strong expertise in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Italian palaeography, along with solid knowledge of codicology and the study of historical drawings on paper and parchment. Moreover,The role also includes translation tasks between Italian and English, as well as Latin and English, to support accurate academic documentation.
This fixed-term appointment lasts six months and offers part-time employment with a doctoral-level salary scale. Additionally, the selected candidate will begin the position from June 2026, subject to institutional timelines and final selection procedures.
Position Details
- Position: Post-doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Ghent University, Belgium
- Department: EA01 – Architecture and Urbanism
- Research discipline: Early Modern Architectural History / Art History
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 6 months (fixed-term)
- Start Date: June, 2026
- Working Hours: 50% employment rate
- Salary/Funding: PD1–PD4 salary scale (PhD holders)
- Required Qualification: PhD in early modern art or architectural history
Research Area
- Early modern architectural history
- Central Italian architectural studies
- Manuscript studies and critical editions
- Codicology and palaeography
- Archival research (Florence and Siena)
- Material analysis of historical drawings
Eligibility/Qualifications
- PhD in early modern art history or architectural history
- Specialisation in central Italian studies
- Strong expertise in codicology
- Advanced knowledge of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Italian palaeography
- Experience in Italian-English and Latin-English translation
- Competence in academic research and documentation
- Strong organisational and collaborative working skills
- Willingness to travel for research in archives
Explore More Opportunities
- Higher education opportunities in architectural history
- Manuscript studies research opportunities
- Academic roles in Belgium and Europe
- Postdoctoral research positions across disciplines
- International research fellowships
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare a critical edition of Opusculum de architectura
- Write and edit catalogue entries for manuscript copies
- Conduct archival research in Florence and Siena
- Analyse drawings on paper and parchment
- Apply palaeographic methods to historical manuscripts
- Support scholarly documentation for publication
Application Process
Applicants must apply through the official online e-recruitment system before the stated deadline. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format within the required submission fields. Applications sent by email or submitted late will not be considered.
Required Documents
- CV and academic transcript
- Cover letter
- Degree transcript
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Already open
- Application Deadline: 25 May 2026, 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: June 2026
Early applications are encouraged as competition is high and selection is limited. Candidates are advised to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure full consideration.
Other information
Ghent University is an international research university with a strong academic structure and a clear focus on interdisciplinary work. It is actively engaged in education, research, administration, and a wide range of technical and social services on a daily basis. It is also one of the largest employers in the region, offering strong career opportunities within a dynamic academic environment.
The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning conducts advanced research in architectural history and theory. Furthermore, this postdoctoral position forms part of a specialised editorial project on early modern architecture and involves close study of historical manuscripts.
The working environment is well organised and supports research travel, archive visits, and academic writing. It is particularly suitable for researchers with solid experience in manuscript studies and historical architectural sources.
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