Ghent University (UGent) invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scientific Researcher in Early Modern Art and Architectural History within the European Research Council (ERC)-funded project Copying as Common Practice in Early Modern Architecture. The position offers the opportunity to conduct archival research across Europe and the United Kingdom while contributing to international scholarship on architectural drawings, manuscript studies, and digital humanities.
The successful candidate will work with special collections and archives across Europe and the United Kingdom, identifying architectural tracing practices and cataloguing surviving drawings. The research focuses on early modern architectural history, technical art history, manuscript studies, and digital humanities.
The researcher will conduct archival investigations, catalogue architectural drawings, analyse historical tracing methods, and contribute to research activities while participating in seminars, workshops, specialist training, and international conferences.
Applicants should hold expertise in early modern art and architectural history, manuscript studies, and codicology, while demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively, meet project deadlines, and undertake research travel within Europe and the United Kingdom.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Scientific Researcher
- Institution: Ghent University, Belgium
- Department: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Architecture and Urbanism (EA01)
- Research Discipline: Early Modern Art and Architectural History
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Position
- Contract Duration: 12 months (with the possibility of a one-year extension following positive evaluation)
- Start Date: January 2026 (earliest)
- Working Hours: Full-time (100%)
- Salary/Funding: Salary Scale PD1–PD4 (Doctoral Degree); European Research Council (ERC)-Funded Project
- Required Qualification: PhD
Research Area
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in Early Modern Art and Architectural History, the successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research across the following areas:
- Early Modern Art and Architectural History
- Architectural Drawings and Architectural Tracing
- Technical Art History
- Manuscript Studies and Codicology
- Archival and Special Collections Research
- Digital Humanities
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- PhD in Early Modern Art History, Architectural History, or a closely related discipline.
- Established expertise in the study of historical drawings.
- Demonstrated knowledge of manuscript studies and codicology.
- Good general IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Drive.
- Ability to work effectively within a collaborative research environment.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet internal deadlines.
- Willingness and ability to travel for archival research.
- Interest in digital humanities methods and online research databases.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Conduct archival research using special collections and archives across Europe and the United Kingdom.
- Identify and document examples of architectural tracing from the early modern period.
- Develop and maintain a catalogue of surviving architectural drawings.
- Analyse historical drawing techniques and their functions using technical art history methods.
- Participate in research seminars, international conferences, workshops, and specialist training.
- Collaborate with the research team while independently managing assigned research activities.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through Ghent University’s online recruitment system before the closing date. Applications submitted by email or after the deadline will not be considered.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae and academic transcript combined into one PDF
- Cover letter
- Transcript or copy of the required PhD degree
- Certified translation of foreign qualifications where required
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 10 July 2026, 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: January 2026 (earliest)
Interested researchers should submit their online application before 10 July 2026, as late applications cannot be accepted.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Postdoctoral and Research Positions in Belgium
- Early Modern Art History Jobs in Europe
- Architectural History Academic Jobs
- Postdoctoral Fellowships for Early-Career Researchers
- Research Careers in Arts and Humanities
Institutional Overview
Ghent University is a public research university in Belgium with 11 faculties and more than 80 departments covering a broad range of academic disciplines. The university supports research and higher education across engineering, architecture, humanities, sciences, medicine, and social sciences. Researchers work in well-established departments with access to libraries, archives, and academic resources that support teaching and research. Ghent University welcomes staff and students from many countries and encourages collaboration across disciplines. As one of Belgium’s largest universities, it provides a strong academic environment for research, education, and professional development.
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