Fully Funded PhD in Digital Humanities and Cultural Resistance – Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium (Start: November 2026)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in Digital Humanities and Cultural Resistance Studies, with a planned start on 1 November 2026. The position is hosted jointly by the ECHO: Media, Culture & Politics and CLIC: Centre for Literary & Intermedial Crossings research groups, and forms part of the newly established Brussels Centre for Interdisciplinary Resistance Studies (Inter‑RESIST).

This is a four‑year, full‑time doctoral appointment (initially 12 months, extendable to 48 months upon positive evaluation) that combines digital humanities methods with cultural, media, and political analysis to study how resistance is represented, communicated, and transformed across history, media, and societies.

Position snapshot

• Position: PhD Student in the Cultural Study of Resistance (Digital Humanities)

• Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium

• Location: Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus, Elsene, Brussels

• Research groups: ECHO (Media, Culture & Politics) and CLIC (Centre for Literary & Intermedial Crossings)

• Centre: Brussels Centre for Interdisciplinary Resistance Studies (Inter‑RESIST)

• Level: PhD / Doctorate (full‑time, 4‑year trajectory)

• Funding: Fully funded government‑scale doctoral grant (initial 12 months, extendable to 48 months)

• Start date: 1 November 2026

• Deadline (official): 21 September 2026

• Application portal: VUB online recruitment portal (jobs.vub.be)

About the research project

The PhD project investigates how resistance is enacted and mediated across time, places, and media, using a combination of archival, textual, visual, and digital sources. The research sits at the intersection of digital humanities, cultural studies, media studies, and political communication, and is embedded in the broader Inter‑RESIST agenda on civilian resistance against dehumanization in Belgium and transnationally across the twentieth century.

Key thematic areas include:

• Changing repertoires of resistance, including everyday resistance, constructive resistance, reverse discourse, and networked dissent.

• Cross‑historical and cross‑media analysis of how resistance narratives and practices are constructed in different historical and cultural contexts.

• Case studies such as resistance to the Holocaust, resistance to post‑war racism targeting migrants and descendants, and resistance to the genocide against Palestinians and its historical antecedents.

• Application of digital humanities tools and methods (e.g., text mining, network analysis, digital archives, computational approaches to cultural data) to study resistance at scale and across media.

The doctoral researcher will develop an original research project within this framework, contribute to Inter‑RESIST’s collective activities, and produce a PhD thesis alongside peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Supervision and research environment

The PhD student will be supervised by faculty from the ECHO and CLIC research groups, with close ties to the Inter‑RESIST centre and its interdisciplinary network of scholars in humanities and social sciences.

VUB is a leading, internationally oriented university in the heart of Brussels, offering a vibrant research environment with strong connections to European institutions, NGOs, and cultural organizations. Doctoral researchers benefit from structured training, access to specialized libraries and digital infrastructure, and opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and borders.

Funding and financial support

Selected candidates will receive a fully funded, full‑time doctoral scholarship with the following core features:

• Initial appointment: 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to 48 months subject to positive evaluation of research progress.

• Salary / grant level: A government‑funded doctoral grant linked to official salary scales for PhD researchers at Belgian universities (typically a competitive monthly net income with social security coverage).

• Tuition and fees: Full tuition coverage for PhD candidates; no application fee for the position.

• Social benefits: Comprehensive social security coverage, holiday leave, and other standard benefits for VUB doctoral researchers.

• Research support: Access to digital humanities labs, archives, computational resources, and funding for conferences, fieldwork, and research trips as per VUB and project norms.

This funding model makes the position accessible to both Belgian and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and enrolment requirements.

Who should apply

This position is designed for candidates with a strong background in digital humanities, cultural studies, media/communication, literary studies, translation studies, or related social science and humanities fields, and a clear interest in the cultural study of resistance.

Academic background

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in one of the following or closely related disciplines:

• Digital Humanities

• Communication Studies

• Literary Studies

• Translation Studies

• Cultural Studies

• Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology)

• Media Studies / Cultural and Media History

A demonstrated interest in resistance, social movements, political communication, or cultural politics is highly desirable.

Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong foundation in humanities or social science research methods, including qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.

• Experience with digital humanities tools and methods (e.g., text analysis, data curation, digital archives, network analysis, or computational approaches to cultural data).

• Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to produce high‑quality academic writing.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.

• Genuine intellectual curiosity about resistance, dehumanization, and socio‑political struggles, and willingness to engage with ethically and politically sensitive topics.

Additional language skills (e.g., Dutch, French, German, Arabic, Hebrew, Russian) are an asset, given the project’s cross‑cultural and transnational focus, but are not strictly mandatory beyond English.

Application materials

Applications must be submitted online via the VUB recruitment portal (jobs.vub.be) and should include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, skills, and any publications or relevant projects.

• Motivation letter (typically 1–2 pages) explaining:

  • Your academic background and research experience.

  • Your interest in the cultural study of resistance and digital humanities.

  • How your profile fits this specific PhD project and the Inter‑RESIST centre.

• Writing sample, such as an academic article, research paper, or a chapter from your Master’s thesis, to demonstrate your research and analytical skills.

• Degree certificate(s) (Master’s and, if applicable, Bachelor’s), except for VUB alumni who may be exempt.

• (If requested in the online form) Contact details for referees who can comment on your research potential.

All documents should be uploaded in the formats specified in the online application system. Applications that do not meet the formal requirements or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Read the official vacancy carefully

   • Review the full job description on the VUB jobs portal to understand the research theme, eligibility criteria, and required documents.

   • Note the position title: “PhD student in the cultural study of resistance (digital humanities)”.

2. Prepare your application documents

   • Update your CV to highlight relevant research experience, digital humanities skills, and any projects related to resistance, media, or cultural politics.

   • Draft a targeted motivation letter that connects your background to the Inter‑RESIST agenda and the specific research themes described in the vacancy.

   • Select a strong writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis chapter or published paper) that showcases your analytical and writing abilities.

   • Gather scanned copies of your degree certificates and transcripts in the required language/format.

3. Submit via the VUB online recruitment portal

   • Go to the VUB jobs website (jobs.vub.be) and locate the PhD vacancy for “PhD student in the cultural study of resistance (digital humanities)”.

   • Create an account or log in if you already have one.

   • Complete the online form and upload all required documents (CV, motivation letter, writing sample, degree certificate, etc.).

   • Review your application for completeness and correctness before final submission.

4. Submit before the deadline

   • Ensure your application is submitted no later than 21 September 2026.

   • The system will not accept applications after the closing date; late submissions are not considered.

Selection process and timeline

The recruitment process consists of two stages:

• Stage 1 – Initial evaluation: A committee reviews all submitted applications based on academic profile, research fit, writing sample, and motivation.

• Stage 2 – Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (online or on‑campus) to discuss their research interests, methodological approach, and fit with the project and centre.

Key dates from the official call and summaries are:

• Application deadline: 21 September 2026

• Interviews: Scheduled after the deadline (exact dates to be announced to shortlisted candidates).

• Planned start date: 1 November 2026

Why this opportunity stands out

This PhD scholarship offers a rare combination of:

• A clearly defined, socially relevant research agenda on resistance, dehumanization, and cultural politics, with direct relevance to contemporary debates in Europe and beyond.

• A fully funded, four‑year doctoral trajectory within a leading European university, with strong institutional support and social benefits.

• An interdisciplinary, international research environment bridging digital humanities, media studies, cultural studies, and political communication.

• Access to the Inter‑RESIST centre and its network of scholars, archives, and collaborative projects on civilian resistance and human rights.

For candidates passionate about the cultural and media dimensions of resistance, social justice, and the application of digital methods to humanities research, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high‑impact PhD in the heart of Europe.

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