Postdoctoral Scholarship in Design Sciences

Departments: Architecture + Interior (University of Antwerp) & hortence (ULB)
Regime: Full-time (100%)

Position Details

• Duration: 4-year funded doctoral scholarship (2026–2029)
• Start Date: September 1, 2026, or by mutual agreement
• Location: University of Antwerp (Campus Mutsaard, Antwerp) & ULB (Campus Flagey, Brussels)
• Application Deadline: May 4, 2026 (midnight CET)

About the Project

The research project “Humanising the Hospital” explores the link between the past and present of Belgian hospital buildings designed with a human‑centred approach (1960s–1980s).

Project focus:

1. Study, document, and analyse the architectural and interior discourses and concepts of historical hospitals.
2. Examine how patients, visitors, and staff experience these buildings today.

Methods: Architecture history, cultural and political history, anthropology.

The findings will assess the relevance of human‑centred design principles for contemporary hospital architecture.

Position Responsibilities

• Prepare and defend a PhD thesis in Interior Architecture or Architecture and Urbanism.
• Collaborate between the University of Antwerp and ULB research teams.
• Publish scientific articles in journals with impact factor.
• Participate in international conferences.
• Participate in research group activities at both institutions.
• Conduct limited teaching and research support tasks.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in interior architecture, architecture, engineering-architecture, history, anthropology, or related fields. A combination of such degrees is a plus.
• Proficient in English and either French or Dutch (for field research in Belgium).
• Ability to work independently and closely collaborate with research teams.
• Excellent academic results and strong interest in the research topic.
• Good writing skills and methodological knowledge.
• Research qualities aligned with university policies.
• Teaching competences in line with the educational vision of both universities.

What We Offer

• Double doctoral scholarship for 2 years, renewable for another 2 years following a positive evaluation.
• Monthly scholarship according to doctoral pay scales for Contract Research Staff.
• Bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport.
• Dynamic working environment across two interconnected cities.
• Expert guidance and research training from both partner institutions.

Application Instructions

Submit your application via the University of Antwerp online job platform and send a copy to veronique.boone@ulb.be. Include:

1. Motivation letter (English, Dutch, or French)
2. Academic CV (including publication list if relevant)
3. Names and email addresses of two referees
4. Annexes if relevant (publications, awards, dissertations, projects)

Interview date: May 28, 2026

Contacts for inquiries:

• Margo Annemans: margo.annemans@uantwerpen.be
• Veronique Boone: veronique.boone@ulb.be

Equal Opportunity

• UAntwerp and ULB promote diversity and inclusion.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for disabilities, disorders, or illnesses (contact Marie Botty: marie.botty@ulb.be).
• Policies: ULB Diversity

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com