Doctoraatsonderzoeker onderzoeksproject over vluchtelingenkampliteratuur

The Research Group of English Literature at the Faculty of Arts of KU Leuven is looking for a full-time doctoral researcher for a research project on “Refugee Camp Literature, Agency, and World Literature.” You will be primarily based at the Antwerp Campus, but you will also actively participate in activities and research at the Leuven campus. You will be part of a dynamic and broad research team on both campuses.
Website unit

Project

You will work as a doctoral researcher for four years on a research project titled “Refugee Camp Literature, ‘Agency’, and World Literature.”

This project offers a detailed analysis of contemporary literary writing produced in refugee camps as a specific form of world literature. Rather than focusing on the generic aspects of this literary form, it examines: a) the various ways in which translation is constitutive of its production (e.g., commissioned translations, self-translation, collaborative translations, etc.), and b) the conditions of its global circulation (agents and networks of publication, reception, etc.).

The project combines three distinct disciplinary approaches. It considers camp literature within the context of current debates in world literature on homogenizing concepts of globalization and presumed translatability, while also engaging with issues of agency, autonomy, and asymmetrical power relations central to postcolonial studies. The field of translation studies, finally, provides crucial insights into the politics of translation and activist uses of translation.

The project focuses on recent cases that not only take place in various geographic locations and involve authors of different genders and nationalities, but that are also the result of unique methods of production, translation, and circulation.

In addition to academic research, the project also includes outreach activities, such as author readings, film screenings, the development of an educational package for secondary schools, and collaboration with organizations like PEN Flanders.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in literary or cultural studies, translation studies, or another relevant discipline.
• You achieved excellent results at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels.
• You are independent, eager to learn, socially engaged, and committed to societal issues.
• You possess excellent organizational, communication, and research skills.
• You have an excellent command of English. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

Offer

We offer a full-time doctoral fellowship position at the Faculty of Arts of KU Leuven. The project runs for four years and starts on 1 October 2025.

• You will follow a doctoral training program that allows you to develop both academic and non-academic skills.
• You will have access to a budget for participation in international conferences, summer schools, workshops, etc.
• You will be part of a dynamic group of researchers.
• Your research will have a societal orientation, and you will also actively participate in the organization of public events.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Tom Toremans at [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.