Ghent University is inviting applications for an ERC-funded Postdoctoral Researcher position within the HAIR project. The position offers researchers an opportunity to undertake independent research on the United Arab Emirates within a collaborative international research environment.
The appointment is based within the Department of Languages and Cultures and forms part of the European Research Council-funded HAIR project. The research examines beauty, identity, gender, religion, and body politics across Muslim societies, bringing together perspectives from Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, anthropology, literature, and digital humanities.
In addition to independent research, the successful researcher will develop an original UAE-focused project while conducting ethnographic and digital fieldwork, analysing Arabic literary materials, and contributing to collaborative research activities. The position also supports public engagement through digital exhibitions and interdisciplinary partnerships with cultural institutions.
Beyond the core research programme, the role provides opportunities to publish scholarly work, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to exhibitions exploring gender, beauty, and identity within contemporary Muslim contexts. Researchers will join an international academic team while developing an independent research profile supported by ERC funding.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: Ghent University, Belgium
- Department: Department of Languages and Cultures
- Research Disciplines: Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, Anthropology, Middle Eastern Studies, Gender Studies, Cultural Studies
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: One year with the possibility of extension
- Start Date: April 2027 (earliest)
- Working Hours: Full-time (100% appointment)
- Salary/Funding: ERC-funded position with salary according to PD1–PD4 scale
- Required Qualification: PhD in a relevant discipline obtained within the previous six years
Research Area
The Postdoctoral Researcher position at Ghent University covers the following interdisciplinary research areas:
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Middle Eastern and Gulf Studies
- Anthropology and Ethnographic Research
- Gender, Cultural and Religious Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Body Politics, Beauty and Identity Studies
- Arabic Literature and Literary Analysis
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- PhD in Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, Anthropology, Middle Eastern Studies, Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, or a related discipline, completed within the previous six years.
- Strong academic research profile with publications and/or an emerging scholarly book project.
- Demonstrated expertise in the Gulf region or the United Arab Emirates, with research interests in gender, embodiment, literature, and Muslim societies.
- Experience conducting ethnographic or qualitative research, including the ability to undertake international fieldwork.
- Excellent academic writing and communication skills in English, together with excellent spoken and reading proficiency in Arabic.
- Ability to manage independent research projects while contributing effectively to collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
- Experience with exhibitions, museums, digital humanities, or visual storytelling is considered an advantage.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Develop and lead an original postdoctoral research project on the United Arab Emirates.
- Conduct ethnographic and digital fieldwork, including the analysis of Arabic literary texts and qualitative data.
- Publish research outputs, including a monograph, peer-reviewed articles, and conference presentations.
- Contribute to digital exhibitions and collaborate with cultural institutions on public engagement activities.
- Prepare research materials for computational analysis and contribute to interdisciplinary research discussions.
- Participate in project meetings, workshops, training programmes, and collaborative research activities.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through Ghent University’s online recruitment system before the closing date. Incomplete applications or those submitted by email will not be considered.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae with academic transcripts (combined into one PDF).
- Cover letter and PhD diploma (or equivalent qualification).
- Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words).
- Details of three referees, including names, affiliations, and email addresses.
- Published research outputs (articles or book chapters) and a curatorial/exhibition portfolio, where applicable.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026, 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: April 2027 (earliest)
Explore this ERC-funded postdoctoral position and apply before the application deadline to join an international interdisciplinary research team.
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Institutional Overview
Ghent University is one of Belgium’s leading public research universities, employing more than 15,000 staff across eleven faculties and over eighty academic departments. The university supports research, education, innovation, and international collaboration across a broad range of disciplines. Researchers benefit from an established academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary cooperation, professional development, and global engagement. Through competitive research funding, advanced facilities, and strong partnerships, Ghent University provides opportunities for scholars to develop independent research while contributing to internationally recognised academic projects and high-quality teaching and research activities.
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