Postdoctoral Position in Media Science
University of Antwerp
Belgium

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 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 6000 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

The Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies Research Group (TRICS) of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Antwerp is seeking post-doctoral candidates interested in developing a research proposal in the domain of Media Accessibility in collaboration with OPEN Expertise Centre for Accessible Media and Culture. Potential areas for exploration include, but are not limited to:

1. User Experience and Engagement: Investigating how accessibility features impact user experience and satisfaction across different media formats, including television, film, digital platforms, and live events.
2. Technology and Innovation: Exploring the role of emerging technologies in enhancing media accessibility. This could involve research on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technological advancements that support the creation of accessible media.
3. Policy and Regulation: Analyzing the impact of existing legislation and regulatory frameworks on media accessibility.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging research that draws insights from diverse fields, such as psychology, engineering, design, and social sciences. This approach can lead to innovative methodologies and frameworks to tackle accessibility challenges.
5. Cultural and Linguistic Dimensions: Investigating how media accessibility intersects with cultural and linguistic diversity. Research could explore how different communities perceive and use accessibility features and how these features can be adapted to meet diverse needs.
6. Evaluation and Impact Assessment: Developing metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of accessibility initiatives in media.

External and internal post-doc researchers who are eligible to submit an FWO junior or senior postdoctoral fellowship and MSCA application are invited to apply. Eligibility for ERC postdocs will be taken favorably into account. The top ranked candidate(s) with the best profile (project proposal & CV) acquire a preparatory post-doctoral research mandate to further develop and submit a competitive research proposal to FWO (Flemish Science Foundation) and MSCA (Horizon Europe Marie Curie fellowships) and optionally ERC with the University of Antwerp as host institution.

A preparatory full-time or part-time mandate of a minimum of 6 months (and a maximum of 12 months) will be provided.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in translation studies, media accessibility, linguistics, psychology, philosophy, social sciences, or disability studies (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• You have spent at least 12 months of the three years prior to the start date abroad and did not work or study in Belgium during these 12 months. Short-term stays (e.g. holidays, participation in conferences, preparation for this stay as a postdoctoral scholarship holder) will not be taken into account.
• You have excellent (C1/C2) English communication skills.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.
• You comply with the FWO Post Doc and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Post-doc eligibility criteria. Eligibility for ERC grants will be taken favorably into account.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a period of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 months. 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 postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• 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 City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 22 May 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:  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.
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV following the MSCA template (Part B2, “CV of the researcher”, maximum length 5 pages).
  • One-page proposal for an MSCA research project idea including a brief overview of the state of the art, research questions, and brief methodology.
• Candidates will be evaluated in three stages:
  • Pre-selection: candidates will be selected based on their CV and one-page proposal.
  • Proposal evaluation: If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be asked to submit a draft project proposal following a condensed version of the MSCA B1 template, completing sections (1) Excellence: pertinence and quality of the project’s research and innovation objectives, soundness of methodology, and relevance of the researcher’s professional experience, competencies, and skills. (2) Quality and Efficiency of Implementation: effectiveness of the work plan, risk assessment, and overall appropriateness. A template will be provided to the preselected candidates. Preselected candidates will have the opportunity to participate in MSCA and ERC training sessions offered online by the University of Antwerp in June and July 2025
  • Interview: candidates who are accepted after the proposal evaluation, will be invited to an interview which determines the final selection.
• Please note the following dates in your calendar: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 professor Anna Jankowska, anna.jankowska@uantwerpen.be.
  • 22 May 2025, submission of CV, motivation letter and one-page proposal.
  • June 10, 2025: notification of pre-selected candidates.
  • June and July 2025, online proposal writing training sessions.
  • 1 September 2025, submission of draft MSCA proposal.
  • 1 October 2025, notification of selected proposals.
  • 1-30 October 2025, selection interviews.
  • by 15 November, results notifications.

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.