An academic in Sign Language (LSFB) Translation and Interpreting (50%)

An academic in Sign Language (LSFB) Translation and Interpreting (50%)

Reference: 38688 / TIMB 004P B / 2027

UCLouvain seeks to recruit

A part-time academic position in Sign Language (LSFB) Translating and Interpreting

Main campus: Saint-Louis - Bruxelles

About us

UCLouvain is the leading French-speaking university in Belgium and is also widely recognised internationally. Founded in the heart of Europe in 1425, the university brings together 40,000 students and 6,000 staff members on nine campuses in Brussels and Wallonia. Research and education activities are organised in 20 faculties, 23 research institutes, 5 learning centres and 18 libraries. UCLouvain also has two university hospitals.

UCLouvain is a major player in the transition to a sustainable society. The challenges of the ecological crisis are integrated into courses and the university develops numerous local projects (such as a university farm and sustainable campuses). As a digital university, UCLouvain is involved in open science and education, and trains academics in innovative teaching practices through its Louvain Learning Lab. Thanks to two science parks, the university’s research benefits from interaction with 250 companies and 3 incubators, which is fuelled further by being at the centre of a region driven by technological innovation.

UCLouvain has a strong tradition of international collaboration in both teaching and research. These partnerships take shape through numerous exchange agreements, its firm commitment to the European alliance Circle U. and the network The Guild, as well as the welcoming of a large community of international researchers, supported by the Louvain Welcome Desk.

The University's staff policy is based on five pairs of values which are fundamental pillars of the way the University operates, works and lives together: https://uclouvain.be/fr/emploi/politique-personnel.html

The Saint-Louis Campus – Brussels (until recently known as the Université Saint-Louis - Brussels) is characterised by its specialisation in the humanities, its pioneering experience with staggered timetables, successful initiatives promoting multilingualism over the past 30 years, and the specialisation and influence of its research centres and research institute, IRIS-L, in a number of specialist fields. This approach is part of a commitment to promoting interdisciplinarity in relevant fields, a culture of community and human relations across all the site’s activities, and a resolute openness to the economic, social, cultural and religious diversity that characterises the BrusselsCapital Region, which serves as both the primary seat of the European Union’s institutions and the capital of the State.

Post description

Within the Faculté de traduction et d'interprétation Marie Haps Saint-Louis and the Institut de recherche interdisciplinaire Saint-Louis, Social Sciences and Humanities Sector, this position will include the following teaching, research and community service duties:

• Teaching

You will teach in the Bachelor’s program in Sign Language Translation and Interpreting. Your courses, part of the faculty-managed bachelor’s cycle, will cover:

• Belgian French Sign Language (LSFB)
• Introduction to interpreting (conference or community-based)
• Potentially, LSFB linguistics

• Research

You will develop research activities within the interdisciplinary IRIS-L Institute and the TranSphères research center, including leading research programs in Sign Language, particularly in interpreting. Given Saint-Louis’ strong interdisciplinary tradition, you will aim to forge links with other IRIS-L research centers where possible. You will also supervise doctoral theses.

• In addition …

Once tenured and proportionally to the present offer (50% FTE), you will take on service and leadership roles within the institution, such as coordinating the faculty’s Sign Language unit, participating in program committees, examination boards, or the research center. You will also contribute to societal outreach, particularly in social, cultural, or inclusion initiatives. Finally, you will enhance the university’s and the Sign Language unit’s international visibility through research and teaching.

Who we’re looking for

• Education

You have a PhD in Languages, Literature, or Translation Studies, with a specialization in sign language —preferably in interpreting. You have built a national and international network that will enrich your teaching and research. Your academic background must demonstrate:

• Mastery of Belgian French Sign Language (LSFB)
• Excellent command of French
• Proven pedagogical skills

• Experience

You have a proven track record in university teaching, with, if possible, evidence by formal evaluations. Your scientific experience is demonstrated by publications of international standing. You have supplemented this with a research stay abroad, outside the institution that awarded your doctorate. Given the Faculty’s specific research and teaching fields, significant interpreting experience in LSFB is a major asset.

• Skills

You are comfortable working as part of a team of academics and integrate research results into your teaching. You are capable of conducting high-level scientific research, from obtaining funding to team management. You are creative, open to pedagogical innovation and multidisciplinary. Besides this, you should proof able to use your professional interpreting experience to inform both teaching and research. You can communicate in French and English. You have at least a C2 level in French and B2 in English (or commitment to reach B2 within two years of appointment). Knowledge of other sign languages (like International Sign) is an asset.

• Additional assets

• You have good connections with the Deaf Community ;
• You should be able to align your research, teaching, and future community service projects with SaintLouis’ inclusive policy and strategic plan.

What we offer

• Tenure after positive assessment of the probationary period – typically four years. This type of career entitles you to a public sector pension.

• Appointment as lecturer or professor according to your previous academic experience, as determined by the Rectoral Council.

• Teaching load capped at 60 hours for a part-time (50%) tenure-track position, and 90 hours once tenured.

• An attractive and progressive salary according to seniority and the promotion process.

• A start date of 1 September 2027 at the earliest.

• An integrated leadership and management training programme, including a range of pedagogical, linguistic and other training courses.

• Benefits including transport, family, culture, commercial, etc.

• Official policy that supports equal opportunities and promotes diversity within academic and all other categories of staff.

• Specific emphasis on a work-life balance.

Practical Information

Application deadline: 5 November 2026 at noon (UTC+1 Time Zone) Starting date: September 1st 2027

Location

Social Sciences and Humanities Sector (TIMB) (https://uclouvain.be/en/faculties/TIMB) (IRIS) (https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/IRIS)

Need more information?

Questions about this position

Prof. Paul Arblaster, Dean TIMB – doyen-timb@uclouvain.be Prof. Isabelle Ost, Président IRIS – presidence-iris-l@uclouvain.be

Questions about the procedure

Madam Céline Brauns, Rector’s Office,  celine.brauns@uclouvain.be

Questions about online application

Madam Andreea Chiriac, Rector’s Office,  secretariat-vrpp@uclouvain.be

Interested?

Applications must be submitted exclusively via UCLouvain’s online recruitment system; submissions through other channels will not be considered.

Full details regarding the application procedure are available at: https://www.uclouvain.be/en/careers/submit-your-application

Applications must include one single PDF file containing the following documents

• a cover letter (to be included in the single PDF as well as in your candidate profile);

• a detailed and up‑to‑date curriculum vitae (to be included in the single PDF as well as in your candidate profile);

• a copy of the official doctoral degree certificate;

• a complete publication list, including a summary of three recent and significant publications;

• a teaching statement;

• a research statement presenting the proposed research programme for the next five years.

Shortlisted candidates invited for an interview will subsequently be asked to provide

• a PhD project proposal, with a view to the possible recruitment of a doctoral candidate during the first year of appointment;

• three to five letters of reference, submitted directly by referees according to the instructions provided by the University.