Postdoctoral Fellowship on Religion, Culture and Society, 19th and 20th centuries at KU Leuven

KADOC, the Interfaculty Documentation and Research Centre on Religion, Culture and Society at KU Leuven, is one of the leading cultural heritage institutions in Belgium and an international research centre focusing on the societal and cultural legacies of religion and its material and immaterial manifestations in modern society, all this from a broad, interreligious and transnational perspective. Patria vzw, a non-profit organization based in Leuven, aims to strengthen the social awareness about the relevance of religious cultural heritage and the historical role of religion in shaping and transforming European and Flemish society and culture. It shows a particular interest in scholarly research that, from this same perspective, refers to Leuven and/or to the history of its university. 

In order to stimulate high-quality scientific research into the social and cultural impact of religion in 19th- and 20th-century society, Patria vzw and KADOC-KU Leuven offer a short postdoctoral fellowship (12 months). It will be awarded biannually from 2023 onwards. 

The fellowship targets excellent junior researchers (M/F) in the human sciences that have recently defended their PhD or are about to. It offers them an opportunity to further develop their research career by carrying out a well-defined, feasible and innovative research project, whether or not building on the knowledge and expertise acquired through the doctorate. The project should lead to a tangible result, preferably the publication of an article in an international scientific journal. The fellowship also supports these young academics in preparing the publication of their dissertation

What we offer

• A short (12 month) full time postdoctoral research mandate at KU Leuven 
• The fellow will be remunerated according to the baremas of KU Leuven (BAP 40-44).
• A unique opportunity to carry out an innovative research project, leading to a tangible result, while living and working at KU Leuven. The Patria-KADOC fellowship supports you in preparing the publication of your dissertation. 
• A stimulating working environment at KADOC, closely interacting and enjoying support from scholars and professionals connected to the Centre. 
• Easy access to the Leuven collections and research infrastructure, the rich archival and book collections of KADOC in particular.
• A well-equipped working-space and all necessary administrative and logistical support

What we expect

• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree or a degree or certificate recognised as equivalent in application of European Union directives or a bilateral agreement. They obtained their doctoral degree later than 1 October 2020 or will receive it no later than 1 June 2023.
• They can only submit one application and can only postulate twice. They have not yet enjoyed the fellowship. 
• They are willing to carry out their fellowship at KADOC-KU Leuven
• They will choose a promotor acquainted to KADOC. This promotor will provide a separate letter of motivation. 
• Applicants will develop a strong, well-considered project plan for their fellowship, linked to tangible and achievable goals, and with a clear timetable. Their research is aligned to the overall goals of this postdoctoral fellowship. 
• They are proficient in English, demonstrated by publications and/or an official certificate.
• As a general rule, holders of a post-doctoral mandate at KU Leuven are expected to 1) have a domiciliation in Belgium, 2) have a Belgian bank account and 3) join a Flemish Social Security Office.
• KADOC-KU Leuven seeks to foster an inclusive environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, religion, cultural back- ground, nationality, sexuality or disability. We support our university’s commitment to social responsibility, diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Candidates are invited to enter their application using the dedicated web-module 

before Wednesday 15 March > 5 p.m.

Required documents:

• curriculum and list of publication 
• research project plan (max. 6 p., arial 11) encompassing: rationale and state of the art, objectives, methodology, work plan with timing and list of deliverables
• letter of recommendation of the promotor (will be collected separately)

Evaluation 

• Candidates will receive formal notification of the reception of their application by e-mail.
• Submitted applications will be closely evaluated and ranked by a dedicated Committee of Experts. This evaluation involves both the criteria ‘candidate’ and ‘research project’. 
• The candidates will be assessed on their scholarly background, accomplishments and potential. 
• The evaluation of the project plan will focus on its scientific quality and relevance, innovativeness and feasibility, and how the plan is linked to the overall goals of the fellowship programme and preferably embedded within the collections and expertise of the host institution.

Timing

• A call for candidates was launched on 13 December 2022.

• Applications are submitted by 15 March 2023. 

• The results of the evaluation process are announced no later than 30 June 2023. All candidates will receive feedback on their dossier and research proposal. 
• The postdoctoral mandate starts on 1 October 2023. 

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Peter Heyrman, head of Research