Researcher in Communication Science
University of Antwerp
Belgium

Department: Department of Communication Studies
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: De Meerminne, University of Antwerp
Application Deadline: 19 November 2025 (by midnight Brussels time)
Planned Start Date: 1 June 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

About the University

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university offering innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students. With over 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important role in society. Through top-level research, we continuously push boundaries and help shape the future — a future that you can help to create.

About the Position

As part of its research policy and supported by the University Research Fund (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds, BOF), the Department of Communication Studies invites applications for a full-time Senior Research Professor (ZAPBOF).

As a member of the Senior Academic Staff (ZAP), you will contribute to the University’s three core missions — research, education, and service — with a primary focus on research for up to ten years.

Key Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct and expand high-quality research in the area of Media Production of Prison Communities.

• Establish dialogue between media and visual studies, and develop innovative methodological approaches.

• Carry out interdisciplinary and transnational research on media forms created by people affected by prison systems, proposing alternative models of criminal justice.

• Explore how media can foster safer and more participatory communities, rather than systems of surveillance.

• Integrate perspectives from literature, art, criminology, digital media, and ethnicity studies to open new research lines within the Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi).

• Obtain and manage national and international research funding.

• Publish in leading international journals and specialized literature.

• Develop and maintain an international scientific network.

• Supervise Master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers.

Services

• Contribute to academic and societal service within the University and beyond.

• Participate in committees, boards, outreach, and student recruitment activities.

Education

• Provide high-quality education in Communication, Media, and Visual Studies.

• Teach at least one course in the Master of Film Studies and Visual Culture from the 2026–2027 academic year onward.

• Contribute to the development of student-centred, competence-driven curricula.

• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s dissertations.

Organisation and Leadership

• Take on coordination and policy roles in research, service, and/or education.

• Demonstrate a motivating, coaching leadership style that supports team growth and professional development.

Profile

• PhD in Comparative Literature.

• Minimum two years of postdoctoral experience (by the start of appointment).

• Strong international academic profile and record of high-quality research.

• Must have obtained an advanced ERC grant (to be hosted at the University of Antwerp) in the field of Communication Science, specifically on Media Productions in Prison Communities — this is a mandatory eligibility condition.

• Research and teaching competencies aligned with University of Antwerp policies and educational vision.

• Motivation to enhance teaching skills through professional development opportunities.

• If not proficient in Dutch, willingness to reach CEFR B2 level within five years and CEFR C1 level in the teaching language when coordinating courses.

• Demonstrated leadership potential, organizational skills, and commitment to integrity, quality, and collaboration.

What We Offer

• A full-time ZAPBOF appointment (associate professor, professor, or full professor), based on qualifications and experience.

• Tenure after a maximum of three years, following a favourable performance evaluation.

• A research-focused position (limited teaching) for up to ten years, followed by a standard tenured academic role combining teaching, research, and service.

• An attractive starter package, including:

  • Funding for a four-year PhD project (subject to positive evaluation)

  • €15,000 in consumables for initial research support

• Competitive salary based on Senior Academic Staff pay scales.

• Additional benefits: ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and bicycle or public transport reimbursement.

• A stimulating working environment at De Meerminne on the Stadscampus.

Learn more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Application Process

Apply via the University of Antwerp online job platform by 19 November 2025 (midnight Brussels time).
Include the following documents (in English):

1. Motivation letter

2. Completed ZAP application appendix

3. Academic CV

4. Five-year research proposal (approx. 5,000 words)

5. Report on previous research activities (max. 1,000 words)

6. Scientific abstract of your proposed research (max. 500 words or 4,000 characters)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further steps, including an interview and the proposal of a PhD project topic.

For inquiries:

• Job content: paoloshfavero@uantwerpen.be

• Appointment framework: Mirella Marini (+32 3 265 45 58) or Birgit Houben (+32 3 265 31 39)

• Technical/application queries: jobs@uantwerpen.be

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Antwerp has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. We are a family-friendly, sustainable institution that values diversity and inclusiveness. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, disability, ethnicity, belief, or age.

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