Job description
The Department of History at the University of Liège is offeringthreefully-funded PhD positions (1.0 FTE). The PhD students will join the PROXISENSES project – Interwoven Histories of the Near Senses (1350–1650). A Mediterranean History of (Subjective) Knowledge, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and led by Professor Viktoria von Hoffmann.
We invite applications from outstanding candidates who can demonstrate academic excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and who can provide evidence of relevant research skills to contribute to the project.
SPECIFIC ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
- Each PhD candidate will write a thesis on one of the project’s three case studies: salt, grapes or fish. Through a microhistorical study based on exhaustive archival research, they will trace a product in its various forms, from production/harvesting to processing, analysing a range of sensory practices involving multiple actors. The projects also examine how the data collected was subsequently recorded and codified in printed works. Potential primary sources include documents relating to commercial practices (customs ledgers, guild registers, trade manuals, commercial registers, municipal market regulations and court records), as well as codified sources such as agricultural treatises, natural history textbooks, alchemical treatises, medical treatises, travel and health guides, notebooks and teaching manuals.
- The thesis must focus on the geographical area covered by the PROXISENSES project (the Mediterranean, preferably the Italian or Iberian peninsula, or the Ottoman Empire) during the late Middle Ages and early Modern Age.
- Successful candidates must enrol as PhD students at the University of Liège and fulfil all the academic and administrative requirements of the PhD programme, in accordance with the regulations of the University and the Graduate School.
- Attend and present research findings at internal academic meetings and external academic conferences, workshops and seminars, both in Belgium and abroad.
- Co-organise workshops and conferences with other team members.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Master’s degree in Late Medieval or Early Modern History (obtained or in the process of being obtained), with a high-quality Master’s thesis. If the degree has not been obtained at the time of application, the thesis supervisor must submit a statement confirming that it will be obtained prior to appointment.
- The ability to engage substantively with medieval and/or early modern primary sources;
- Excellent research, writing and communication skills.
DESIRABLE SKILLS:
- Good knowledge of the fields of food history; the history of science, medicine and technology; sensory history; gender history; and/or labour history.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a (international) team;
- Rigorous, reliable, organised, proactive;
- Enthusiastic, with excellent interpersonal skills.
LANGUAGES:
- Excellent command of English;
- Ability to speak French or willingness to learn it;
- Reading knowledge of the languages necessary to complete the PhD project (Latin, Italian, Spanish, Ottoman Turkish…).
Additional information
We offer a tax-free scholarship with an estimated net monthly salary of €2,670. The PhD candidate may also apply for a laptop and additional funding to cover research expenses. Other benefits include access tovarious training opportunities.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Successful candidates will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment, working closely with Professor Viktoria von Hoffmann (Senior Permanent Researcher, FRS-FNRS / Associate Professor, ULiège). In addition to the three PhD candidates selected through this process, the ERC PROXISENSES team comprises three postdoctoral researchers and a research coordinator.
HOW TO APPLY?
Please send the following documents in PDF format toproxisenses@uliege.beby 1 May 2026. Please quote the reference “PROXISENSES-04” in your application and in any correspondence relating to this vacancy.
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV);
- A cover letter (in English) describing the applicant’s research interests and how they align with the project’s objectives, including details of the primary printed and archival sources with which they have previously worked, as well as the ancient and modern languages they are proficient in;
- A one-page statement (in English) describing which case study (salt, grapes or fish) you would like to focus on in your thesis and the reasons for this choice; specifying the proposed chronological and geographical scope of the project; and explaining your motivation for undertaking a PhD;
- A writing sample (e.g. a published or unpublished article or a thesis chapter);
- Shortlisted candidates will be asked to contact two academics (e.g. their Master’s thesis supervisor) who can submit letters of recommendation at short notice. Applicants are advised to notify their referees in advance. Referees should send their letters directly toproxisenses@uliege.be(reference PROXISENSES-4).
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Evaluation process: An initial selection of suitable candidates will be made based on their CV and application. Shortlisted researchers will be invited to an interview, which may take place in person (in Liège, Belgium) or online. The interview for this position is expected to take place on Wednesday 17 or Thursday 18 June 2026.
Our corporate policy is based on diversity and equal opportunities. We select candidates on the basis of their skills and do not discriminate on grounds of age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.
Further information: Euraxess
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