Visiting scholars

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 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. 

The Urban Studies Institute (USI) at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, conducts interdisciplinary research on urbanisation and urban issues. It offers a platform for  urban planners, engineers, ecologists, geographers, transport economists, health scientists, sociologists, historians, and literary, cultural, legal and communication scholars who all strongly invest in an integrated approach. Research at the institute focusses on a diverse range of issues. It includes research on urban sustainability and greening; urban planning and development; urban and environmental history; governance and participation; transport and mobility; health; social inequality; solidarity and diversity; smart cities; creativity and culture; and migration. Other USI activities include regular research seminars, two annual summer schools (CityLab and the Sustainable City), and public lectures in collaboration with Stadsform. For more information, see our website.

The USI is currently looking for two full-time visiting scholars for a short term research stay (in-person) at the University of Antwerp in 2023/2024. The selected scholars will be offered the opportunity to conduct their research at the USI and to participate in the institute’s research activities. They will be supported to 1° communicate their research plans and results to the interdisciplinary research community of the USI, 2° receive feedback from a select interdisciplinary group of scholars and 3° enter into an intensive dialogue with a broad range of disciplinary approaches.

We are flexible in when we can host visiting scholars for 1-3 months between autumn 2023 and summer 2024. We welcome and encourage applications from scholars from any country and nationality.

Profile and requirements

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) and have a track record in research on urban issues.
• You have experience with multidisciplinary research in the broader field of urban studies.
• You commit to presenting your research and research results in at least one seminar and one guest lecture for students.
• You commit to preparing (preferably) a joint project application, such as a Marie Curie application, with one or more USI members, or a joint publication.
• You hold a paid position in a research institution (as post-doctoral fellow, researcher, professor, for example) at the time of the planned visit.

We offer

• facilities to conduct your research at the University of Antwerp (desk space, log-in, library access, etc.);
• the possibility to fully participate in the research activities (seminars, master classes, lectures, …) of the USI and all the research groups involved;
• the possibility to communicate your own research to the members of the institute and of the research groups involved;
• information related to finding lodging, issues related to travel documents, etc.;
• 1400 € monthly expenses, plus the recovery of your travel expenses.

How to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 29 May 2023 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV.
• Make sure your motivation letter includes a detailed plan for the 1-3 month stay and an outline of the joint project application (including the targeted funding channel(s)) or publication. Well-developed plans for joint applications in collaboration with USI members are preferred.
• Indicate with which research group(s) and USI researchers you would like to be connected during your stay.
• Indicate when you would be able to come and for how long (one to three months, between autumn 2023 and summer 2024, except for July and August).
• For questions about the profile and requirements, please contact Prof. Dr. Greet De Block or Prof. Dr Thomas Vanoutrive, Co-Directors of the Urban Studies Institute, at greet.deblock@uantwerpen.be or thomas.vanoutrive@uantwerpen.be. For administrative questions, please contact International Staff Office, int.staff@uantwerpen.be, tel.  +32 (0)3 265 31 49.     
•  If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be.

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.