Ghent University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Assistant in Classical History within the Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. This funded academic position combines independent academic research, classical history teaching, and student supervision, offering an opportunity to contribute to research and higher education in Ancient History.
The successful candidate will spend at least seventy per cent of the appointment undertaking academic research in Classical History, while supporting Bachelor’s and Master’s teaching within the department. The role also includes supervising undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, counselling doctoral researchers, and contributing to an active research environment through scholarly publications based on original historical evidence.
Building upon these responsibilities, applicants should demonstrate expertise in Ancient History, particularly through research using textual and material primary historical sources. Previous teaching experience in Dutch, supervision of student dissertations, and publications in recognised peer-reviewed academic journals are essential requirements for this appointment.
In addition to academic duties, the position offers an initial two-year appointment with the possibility of a further three-year extension following a favourable evaluation. The appointment is expected to begin in October 2026, providing an opportunity to continue research while contributing to teaching and academic supervision within an established history department.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Assistant in Classical History
- Institution: Ghent University, Belgium
- Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
- Department: Department of History
- Research Discipline: Classical History, Ancient History
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Job Type: Postdoctoral
- Start Date: October 2026 (earliest)
- Working Hours: 10% appointment
- Salary/Funding: Salary Scale AAP5 with Ghent University staff benefits
- Required Qualification: Doctoral Degree in History specialising in Classical History
Research Areas
The position is associated with the following research areas:
- Classical History
- Ancient History
- History
- Historical Research
- Primary Historical Sources
- Textual Source Analysis
- Material Culture Studies
- Classical Civilisations
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- Doctoral degree in History specialising in Classical History before the appointment begins.
- Research experience within the field of Ancient History.
- Evidence of strong research achievement during doctoral studies.
- Extensive experience using textual and material primary historical sources.
- Demonstrated teaching experience in Dutch.
- Experience supervising and assessing Bachelor’s and Master’s dissertations.
- Interest in mentoring Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral students.
- Publications in recognised national or international peer-reviewed academic journals.
- NARIC certificate of equivalence for eligible non-European Union qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct independent academic research in Classical History.
- Devote at least 70% of the appointment to research activities.
- Teach Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in Classical History.
- Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s dissertations.
- Mentor doctoral students within the discipline.
- Publish research findings in recognised peer-reviewed academic journals.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the university’s online recruitment system before the closing date. Late applications and applications submitted outside the online system will not be considered.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae and publication list combined into one PDF.
- Cover letter.
- Degree transcript.
- Translation of foreign degree documents where required.
- NARIC certificate of equivalence for eligible non-EU degrees.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 28 July 2026, 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: October 2026 (earliest)
Eligible applicants should submit all required documents through the official Ghent University recruitment portal before the closing deadline of 28 July 2026 (23:59 Brussels Time).
Related Academic Opportunities
- Academic Jobs in Belgium
- History Research Positions Worldwide
- Ancient Studies Academic Jobs Abroad
- Academic Career in Humanities
- Postdoctoral Positions for Early Career Scholars
Institutional Overview
Ghent University is one of Belgium’s largest research universities, employing more than 15,000 staff across education, research, administration, and technical services. The university comprises eleven faculties and more than one hundred academic departments that deliver research-led degree programmes across diverse disciplines. Its Faculty of Arts and Philosophy supports research and teaching in history and related fields, providing an environment in which academic staff contribute to internationally recognised scholarship while supervising students at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The university also offers professional development opportunities, staff benefits, and structured academic career progression.
For more academic opportunities in history, archaeology, humanities, and postdoctoral research, explore the latest international university vacancies published on HigherJobz.
