Doctoral scholarship holder kidnapping narratives and testimonies in Colombia and Congo

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

Position

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on narratives and testimonies of kidnappings perpetrated by armed groups in Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the perspective of cultural memory studies and conflict studies. The research focuses on the rebel groups FARC-EP in Colombia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo from the year 2000 onwards. Through a combination of discourse analysis and fieldwork, you will investigate the interaction between written, institutional, and oral narratives surrounding kidnappings. You will also be encouraged to incorporate your own interests and insights into the research project. This research is connected to, but not limited to, disciplines such as linguistics and literary studies, (comparative) literature, political and social sciences, social and cultural anthropology, Latin American studies, and African studies.
• You will independently manage your doctoral research and report regularly on its progress, in collaboration with your supervisors from the Department of Literature and the Institute of Development Policy (IOB).
  • You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s) and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
  • You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
  • You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees, and present your research at scientific conferences.
  • You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
• You will participate in the doctoral training programme offered by the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will contribute to securing national and international research funding.
• In addition to project-based research, you will also be responsible for a limited range of support tasks related to teaching and/or research management within the Faculty of Arts.
• You will actively contribute to the ongoing research projects and activities of the Faculty of Arts, with particular involvement in the Department of Literature’s research areas.

Profile

• You hold a master degree in Language and Literature, Translators and Interpreters, Social Sciences, Political Science, or a related disciplines, or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
• You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
• You have experience with in cultural memory studies and/or conflict studies or related fields (see above). Experience with discourse analysis, narratology, and/or qualitative research methods such as interviews is considered an asset. You are willing to undertake additional methodological training or coursework to acquire any competencies that may still be lacking.
• You have a good knowledge of English, Spanish and French, both oral and written.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What We Offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 12 months. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for up to a maximum duration of four years.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• The planned start date is 1 November 2026, or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working envir