The LASTING research group at the Faculty of Arts of KU Leuven invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the framework of a research project exploring the representation of trauma in biographical graphic novels.
The successful candidate will contribute to a multidisciplinary team investigating how postmemorial graphic storytelling engages with personal and collective trauma, with a particular focus on Mexican cultural contexts.
As a junior researcher, you will become a member of the research unit of Translation Studies and will be actively involved in the research activities of the Faculty of Arts, KU Leuven (Belgium).
Summary LASTING research project (internal KU Leuven funding, C1): Affiliative Postgeneration Bio-Graphics in Context: Authorship, Agency and Networks
From the 2000s onwards, there has been a notable surge in the production of comics and graphic novels dedicated to victims of collective violence, terrorism, dictatorship, or organized crime. These narratives not only delve into distant pasts but also illuminate current political and societal issues, including human rights and environmental concerns. Authored by individuals, often working in pairs or occasionally in collectives, who lack familial connections to their biographed subjects, these graphic narratives creatively construct memory through affiliative connections, which gives rise to what we term “affiliative postgeneration bio-graphics”. This project aims to comprehensively explore the intricate and multifaceted modes of authorship and aesthetic agency inherent in these works. By analyzing the artistic and production processes, as well as the (professional) networks underpinning their creation, we seek to shed light on this highly imaginative yet understudied genre of graphic memory narratives.
Project
- You will conduct this study autonomously under the guidance of the supervisors, and in collaboration with another PhD working on Italian postmemorial graphic storytelling.
- You are expected to enroll in a doctoral program and pursue a PhD.
- You will present the preliminary results of the study at international conferences, in academic articles and in contributions for the wider audience.
- You will co-organize a number of events related to the research project.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented researcher. As a candidate, you will meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
- a master's degree (or equivalent) in Translation Studies, Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, Comparative Literature, or a related field
- demonstrated passion for research on graphic novels and visual storytelling as a narrative form
- a strong academic interest in trauma theory, memory studies, and/or visual culture
- proven knowledge of Mexican culture, history, and literature; near-native competence in Spanish and a good level of proficiency in English.
2. Research Skills
- experience with textual and/or visual analysis methodologies
- ability to conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative academic work
- strong academic writing skills in English and Spanish
- willingness to engage with interdisciplinary approaches and theoretical frameworks.
3. Personal Skills
- intellectual curiosity and a proactive attitude toward learning and research
- excellent organizational and time-management skills
- strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- openness to international mobility and academic exchange.
Offer
We offer:
- a full-time PhD position for a period of four years (subject to positive intermediate evaluations). You will first be offered a contract for 1 year, extendable up to a maximum of 48 months, subject to a positive evaluation.
- supervision by leading scholars in the fields of trauma studies, graphic narratives, and Mexican culture
- a stimulating and supportive research environment with access to training, conferences, and publication opportunities, academic or otherwise. At its Antwerp campus, where the candidate will be based, KU Leuven’s Faculty of Arts offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in Applied Language Studies, Translation, Interpreting and Multilingual Communication. Its researchers are affiliated to research units that pool expertise from all four of the Faculty’s campuses. As a researcher, you will be mainly based on Antwerp campus. You will find yourself in a stimulating working and lively environment in the throbbing heart of Antwerp.
Interested?
Please submit the following documents:
- a motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
- a detailed CV
- a full transcript of records
- a sample of academic writing (e.g., MA thesis and/or published article)
- a reference letter.
Recent graduates holding a master’s degree are also welcome to apply.
After screening of all submitted applications, selected candidates will be invited for a job interview on September 15 or 16, 2025.
Start date: November 1st, 2025 (the starting date will depend on the administrative processing of the application and the visa requirements).
For more information, please contact Prof. dr. Inge Lanslots, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. An Van Hecke, mail: [email protected].
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