Researcher in Semitic Epigraphy at Ghent University

About Position/Job

Ghent University, Belgium invites applications for a full-time Researcher (R2) position in Local Semitic Epigraphy within the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Department of Languages and Cultures (LW21 – Talen en Culturen). This role is part of the AlUla Inscriptions Corpus Analysis Project (AICAP), a four-year collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), running from May 2024 to April 2028.

The project aims to digitise, transcribe, annotate, and analyse thousands of inscriptions from the AlUla Valley, Saudi Arabia, dating from the 6th century BC to modern Arabic graffiti. The researcher will contribute to building a long-term, accessible online database, enhancing understanding of Ancient North Arabian, Aramaic, and Nabataean scripts, and uncovering the intercultural history of the region. The position combines academic research, mentoring MA students, teaching, and fieldwork in Saudi Arabia, within a vibrant international team.

Position/Job Details

Position: Researcher (R2)
Institution: Ghent University
Department: LW21 – Talen en Culturen (Languages and Cultures)
Research Field: Semitic Epigraphy, Ancient Languages, Cultural Studies, History
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Temporary Contract (1 year)
Start Date (Anticipated): 1 March 2026
Working Hours: 100% / Full-time
Salary Range: PD1–PD4 scale (doctoral degree)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Semitic Epigraphy (Ancient North Arabian, Aramaic, Nabataean)
Pre-Islamic Arabian Languages and Scripts
Ancient History of the Arabian Peninsula
Digital Humanities / Corpus Analysis
Cultural and Linguistic Studies

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Semitic languages, historical linguistics, or a relevant field
Proven academic record with publications
Solid knowledge of Ancient Semitic languages and scripts
Experience with epigraphic material
English proficiency for academic communication and publication
Willingness to travel for fieldwork in Saudi Arabia

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of pre-Islamic Arabian history and early Islamic period
Experience with databases and digital epigraphy
Experience teaching and mentoring MA students
Willingness to expand language expertise as needed

Key Responsibilities

Transcribe, annotate, and translate pre-Islamic Semitic inscriptions
Mentor MA students in Ancient North Arabian and Aramaic corpora
Design and teach courses on Pre-Islamic Semitic epigraphy and fieldwork methods
Publish project results in reports, journals, and conferences
Participate in fieldwork and international collaboration

Application Process

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through Ghent University’s e-recruitment system. Late applications or submissions via email will not be accepted.

Required Documents: