Fully Funded PhD at Vrije Universiteit Brussel: Digital Humanities Application Deadline September 21
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium is accepting applications for a funded doctoral research position in the cultural study of resistance, with a focus on digital humanities. The application deadline is September 21, 2026.
The position is associated with the newly established Brussels Centre for Interdisciplinary Resistance Studies, known as Inter-RESIST, and is jointly connected to two university research groups.
The successful candidate will receive a full-time doctoral scholarship initially covering 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 48 months following positive evaluations of doctoral activities.
The planned starting date is November 1, 2026.
VUB Digital Humanities PhD 2026: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
| Short name | VUB |
| Country | Belgium |
| Location | Brussels |
| Position | PhD student in the cultural study of resistance |
| Research focus | Digital humanities and resistance studies |
| Application deadline | September 21, 2026 |
| Planned start | November 1, 2026 |
| Initial funding | 12 months |
| Maximum funding period | 48 months, subject to positive evaluations |
| Work arrangement | Full-time doctoral scholarship |
| Application | University recruitment system |
What Is the VUB PhD Opportunity About?
The doctoral project investigates how resistance is enacted, represented and mediated across historical periods and different forms of media.
It combines perspectives from digital humanities, cultural studies and other disciplines to examine the ways resistance is communicated and remembered.
The project forms part of Inter-RESIST, a newly created interdisciplinary research center in Brussels.
Research Focus: Cultural Study of Resistance
The research examines how forms of resistance develop, circulate and change across different historical and media environments.
The vacancy identifies archival, textual, visual and digital sources as important materials for the project.
It also identifies several concepts that the research may investigate, including everyday resistance, constructive resistance, reverse discourse and networked dissent.
The selected doctoral researcher will contribute to an interdisciplinary investigation of how cultural forms influence collective memory, solidarity and political imagination.
What Is Digital Humanities?
Digital humanities is an interdisciplinary field that uses digital methods and tools to investigate questions in the humanities.
Depending on the project, this can involve computational analysis of texts, digital archives, databases, visualization and the study of online media.
In the VUB position, digital humanities contributes to research examining cultural representations and communications of resistance.
The precise methodological approach will be developed within the project's research framework and supervision arrangements.
Research Materials and Methods
The official position description identifies cross-historical and cross-media analysis as central to the project.
| Research Material | Potential Analytical Focus |
|---|---|
| Archival sources | Historical documentation of resistance |
| Textual materials | Language, narratives and discourse |
| Visual materials | Images and visual representations |
| Digital sources | Online communication and digitally mediated resistance |
| Cross-media comparisons | How themes move between different media |
| Historical comparisons | How practices and representations change over time |
Applicants should review the full research description to determine how their academic background and methodological skills align with the position.
Which Research Groups Are Involved?
The position is jointly affiliated with two VUB research groups.
ECHO: Media, Culture & Politics
ECHO is associated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School.
The group contributes perspectives relevant to media, culture and political communication.
CLIC: Centre for Literary & Intermedial Crossings
CLIC is associated with the Faculty of Languages and Humanities.
Its involvement connects the doctoral project with literary and intermedial research.
The selected researcher will contribute to the daily activities of both groups.
Who Will Supervise the PhD?
The position will be jointly supervised by Professor Arvi Sepp and Professor Kevin Smets.
The researcher will also work in close collaboration with Professor Yazan Badran and the Inter-RESIST team.
This arrangement reflects the project's interdisciplinary structure.
Which Doctoral Degrees Are Possible?
The vacancy identifies several possible doctoral fields.
- Media and Communication Studies.
- Literary Studies.
- Translation Studies.
- Interdisciplinary Studies.
The final doctoral pathway will depend on the selected candidate's research and the university's admission arrangements.
What Are the Researcher's Responsibilities?
The successful applicant will undertake doctoral research with the objective of completing a thesis.
The position also includes active participation in interdisciplinary exchanges involving several academic disciplines.
The university expects the researcher to contribute proactively to research funding acquisition, including potential funding from the Research Foundation – Flanders or European funding programs.
The researcher will also participate in the daily functioning of the affiliated research groups.
Funding Duration and Conditions
The university offers an initial 12-month full-time doctoral scholarship.
The scholarship may be extended up to a maximum total period of 48 months, subject to positive evaluation of doctoral activities.
Applicants should not interpret the maximum period as an unconditional four-year guarantee.
The effective award is also conditional on enrollment as a doctoral student at VUB.
How Much Is the PhD Scholarship Worth?
The university states that the doctoral grant is linked to one of the scales established by the government.
The vacancy does not specify a fixed monthly amount in its published offer.
Applicants should request confirmation of the applicable grant scale and payment arrangements before accepting the position.
Additional Benefits
The university advertises several benefits associated with the position.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Telework support | €50 monthly telework allowance or €20 monthly internet fee |
| Leave | 35 days for a full-time appointment, plus additional arrangements |
| Hospitalization insurance | Provided without cost |
| Commuting | Public transport reimbursement under university policy or bicycle compensation |
| Campus facilities | Access to university services and facilities under applicable conditions |
| Professional development | University training and learning opportunities |
Applicants should review the official offer for complete conditions.
Where Will the Researcher Work?
The Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Elsene will serve as the researcher's home base.
The role is based in Brussels, Belgium.
Applicants from outside Belgium should consider relocation and immigration requirements when assessing the opportunity.
International Applicant Requirements
The university states that applicants who are nationals of countries inside or outside the European Economic Area must meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit where applicable and comply with VUB residence requirements.
Applicants should confirm their individual immigration circumstances before making travel arrangements.
Selection for the doctoral position does not automatically establish that all immigration requirements have been satisfied.
Required Application Documents
The university lists four required documents.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Curriculum vitae | Summarizes academic and professional experience |
| Motivation letter | Explains interest and suitability |
| Writing sample | Demonstrates research and academic writing |
| Diploma | Evidence of qualification; not required for VUB alumni under the vacancy instructions |
Applicants should ensure that the documents are complete and uploaded through the university's recruitment system.
How to Prepare a Relevant Motivation Letter
A motivation letter should explain how the applicant's background connects with the research position.
Relevant areas may include experience in digital humanities, cultural analysis, historical research, media studies, literary studies or interdisciplinary methods.
Applicants should describe their actual qualifications and research experience rather than making unsupported claims about expertise.
They should also explain their interest in the specific Inter-RESIST project.
What Should the Writing Sample Demonstrate?
The university accepts a writing sample such as an article or academic paper.
Applicants should select a piece that demonstrates their ability to develop an argument, engage with research material and communicate findings clearly.
A sample connected with the vacancy's research themes may help demonstrate relevance, but applicants should follow any additional instructions in the recruitment system.
How to Apply for the VUB PhD
- Review the official vacancy description.
- Confirm that your qualifications satisfy the stated requirements.
- Assess your research fit with Inter-RESIST.
- Prepare your curriculum vitae.
- Write a position-specific motivation letter.
- Select an appropriate academic writing sample.
- Prepare your diploma if required.
- Access the university's recruitment system.
- Complete the application fields.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application by September 21, 2026.
- Monitor communications concerning the selection process.
What Is the Selection Process?
The university describes a two-stage recruitment process, subject to change.
The first stage is an initial selection based on the application file.
The second stage is a job interview.
Applicants should prepare to discuss their academic background, research interests and suitability for the project if invited to interview.
When Will the PhD Start?
The planned starting date is November 1, 2026.
Applicants should consider the time required for selection, doctoral enrollment and any applicable relocation or immigration arrangements.
The university may provide further instructions to the successful candidate.
Does the Scholarship Guarantee Doctoral Enrollment?
No. The university explicitly states that the effective doctoral scholarship is conditional on enrollment as a doctoral student.
The successful candidate must satisfy the applicable doctoral admission requirements.
Important Application Checklist
- Application submitted by September 21.
- CV uploaded.
- Motivation letter uploaded.
- Writing sample uploaded.
- Diploma uploaded where required.
- Research fit explained clearly.
- Doctoral admission conditions reviewed.
- November 1 starting date considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VUB PhD application deadline?
September 21, 2026.
What is the research area?
The cultural study of resistance with a digital humanities focus.
Is the PhD funded?
Yes. The university offers a full-time doctoral scholarship.
How long does the funding last?
Initially 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 48 months subject to positive evaluations.
When is the planned starting date?
November 1, 2026.
Which research groups host the position?
ECHO and CLIC, within the Inter-RESIST research environment.
Who supervises the doctoral research?
Professors Arvi Sepp and Kevin Smets, with collaboration from Professor Yazan Badran and the research team.
Which documents are required?
A CV, motivation letter, writing sample and diploma, with the diploma exception stated for VUB alumni.
What is the selection process?
Initial application screening followed by an interview, subject to change.
Is doctoral enrollment required?
Yes. The scholarship is conditional on enrollment as a doctoral student.
Final Update
Vrije Universiteit Brussel's funded PhD position in digital humanities and resistance studies closes on September 21, 2026. The successful candidate is expected to begin November 1 and receive an initial 12-month doctoral grant, potentially extendable to 48 months following positive evaluations.
Applicants must submit a CV, motivation letter, writing sample and diploma where required. The position combines interdisciplinary research, participation in two university research groups and doctoral work within Inter-RESIST.