Postdoctoral Position in Literature (University of Antwerp)

Department Department of Literature Regime: Full-time 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. The Department of Literature in the Faculty of Arts is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Modern German Literature and Culture. Position You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on Intersections of Jewish and Working-Class Emancipation in 19th Century German Writing (1830-1860). In this project (conducted in German or English), you will investigate the complex entanglements of Jewish and working-class emancipation in 19th century literary writing. This research combines an archival search for new literary sources and biographical data with close readings of selected works. With the help of an intersectional research framework that is focused on the categories of race, class and gender, you will explore literary texts by authors from different social backgrounds, analyzing their takes on the mutual struggles for social and political equality. Your study, designed to represent your individual research interests, will contribute to Literary and Jewish Studies, expand the canon of 19th-century literature and offer insights into broader questions of identity and diversity. You will publish scientific articles related to the research project. You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for Department of Literature in the areas of German Literature and/or Jewish Studies. Profile You hold a Master degree in German Literature and/or Jewish Studies or an adjacent field of studies or you will have obtained it by the time you start work. You can demonstrate excellent study results. 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. You have good knowledge of German-language 19th century literature and culture. You can read, write and speak German with high proficiency. Some experience in archival work is a plus. Skills in digital methods of literary analysis and academic communication are another plus. International contacts in German-speaking countries and beyond are of advantage. You work well as a team player in exchange with other colleagues. What we offer We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years. The planned start date is 1 January 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. You will do most of your work at University of Antwerp’s city campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. Want to apply? You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including October 13, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Be sure to include the following attachments: A motivation letter (in German or English) Your academic CV, including: your academic experiences your experiences abroad a list of your publications and presentations a list of your prizes and achievements language skills A writing sample (academic paper or excerpt from your master’s thesis; max. 20 p.; in German or English) Names and contact information of up to three references The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be asked to provide a first draft exposé. The selections interview is scheduled to take place in early November 2025. If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Andree Michaelis-König (Professor for Modern German Literature and Culture): andree.michaelis-konig@uantwerpen.be. Additional Information The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Department

Department of Literature
Regime: Full-time

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.

The Department of Literature in the Faculty of Arts is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Modern German Literature and Culture.

Position

You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis on Intersections of Jewish and Working-Class Emancipation in 19th Century German Writing (1830-1860). In this project (conducted in German or English), you will investigate the complex entanglements of Jewish and working-class emancipation in 19th century literary writing.
This research combines an archival search for new literary sources and biographical data with close readings of selected works.
With the help of an intersectional research framework that is focused on the categories of race, class and gender, you will explore literary texts by authors from different social backgrounds, analyzing their takes on the mutual struggles for social and political equality.
Your study, designed to represent your individual research interests, will contribute to Literary and Jewish Studies, expand the canon of 19th-century literature and offer insights into broader questions of identity and diversity.
You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for Department of Literature in the areas of German Literature and/or Jewish Studies.

Profile

You hold a Master degree in German Literature and/or Jewish Studies or an adjacent field of studies or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
You can demonstrate excellent study results.
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.
You have good knowledge of German-language 19th century literature and culture.
You can read, write and speak German with high proficiency.
Some experience in archival work is a plus.
Skills in digital methods of literary analysis and academic communication are another plus.
International contacts in German-speaking countries and beyond are of advantage.
You work well as a team player in exchange with other colleagues.

What we offer

We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
The planned start date is 1 January 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.
You will do most of your work at University of Antwerp’s city campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.

Want to apply?

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including October 13, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Be sure to include the following attachments:

A motivation letter (in German or English)
Your academic CV, including:
- your academic experiences
- your experiences abroad
- a list of your publications and presentations
- a list of your prizes and achievements
- language skills
A writing sample (academic paper or excerpt from your master’s thesis; max. 20 p.; in German or English)
Names and contact information of up to three references

The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be asked to provide a first draft exposé. The selections interview is scheduled to take place in early November 2025.

If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Andree Michaelis-König (Professor for Modern German Literature and Culture): andree.michaelis-konig@uantwerpen.be.

Additional Information

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

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