PhD-candidate (1 + 2 years) for the project ‘Fluidity in the Medieval Aristotle. Readers and Readings of the Greek-Latin Translations’ (FitMA)

We invite you to apply for a position of PhD candidate in Philosophy (1 + 2 years). The successful candidate will carry out research in the context of the project ‘Fluidity in the Medieval Aristotle. Readers and Readings of the Greek-Latin Translations’ (FitMA), funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (grant agreement 101164582 – FitMA). The project’s aim is to examine the impact of the manuscript transmission of medieval Latin translations on their reception history, with a focus on the interventions by translators and readers of the texts. The PI of the project is Pieter Beullens (KU Leuven).

The successful candidate will prepare a dissertation that realises one of the goals set in the FitMA project, i.e. the study of the connection between the annotations by readers preserved in manuscripts of the translatio vetus of Aristotle’s De anima and the earliest Latin commentary tradition of the 13th century. As part of their research, the candidate will produce a digital edition of these annotations that will be openly accessible online. The research will be supervised by the PI of the FitMA project.

FitMA project website

Unit website

Project

The selected applicant will conduct the research leading to their own PhD as an active member of the FitMA team and within the aims of the project. They will be expected to participate in the organisation of common activities related to the project, such as team meetings, presentations, and conferences, and in the research activities of the De Wulf-Mansion Centre for Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, in which the project is embedded.

Profile

The candidate has

• a Master’s degree in Philosophy, Arts, or another relevant subject, concluded with excellent study results (or they will have it before the start of the employment). They meet the admission requirements of the PhD programme of the Institute of Philosophy

• an excellent academic knowledge of Latin

The candidate is

• prepared to acquire a deeper background in medieval philosophy

• aware that a working knowledge of Latin medieval palaeography and (digital) edition methods will have to be acquired within the first year of the project

• ready to (pro)actively contribute to the overall goals of the project as a team member

Offer

The successful candidate will be employed at KU Leuven under the standard conditions. The fellowship provides for training opportunities, social and health benefits, and office space. Remote working is possible within the rules of KU Leuven insofar as it does not interfere with the necessities of functioning as a team member.

Admission requirements

Interested?

Please submit your application by using the application tool. The application should include

• your academic CV

• a motivational letter (1 page max.) in which you describe the skills needed for the research project that you already possess, and those that you will need to obtain (including how you plan to do so)

Preferred starting date: 1 December 2026 (or as soon as possible).

For further information, please contact Pieter Beullens (Pieter.Beullens@kuleuven.be).

You can apply for this job no later than November 03, 2026 via the online application tool

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.

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