Ghent University has announced applications for a fully funded doctoral fellowship under the European Research Council (ERC)-funded HAIR project, offering an opportunity for researchers interested in gender, identity, body politics, and Muslim societies. The position is based within the Department of Languages and Cultures at Ghent University’s Faculty of Arts and Philosophy and forms part of an international interdisciplinary research team. Applications are open until 31 July 2026, with the successful candidate expected to begin the fellowship from 1 December 2026 at the earliest. Research Project Explores Hair, Identity, and Muslim Femininities The doctoral fellowship forms part of the ERC-funded research project titled “HAIR – Hair, Identity, Beauty, and the Self in Muslim Contexts: Emotional Landscapes and Changing Femininities Beyond the Veil.” Led by Professor Lisa Maria Franke, the project investigates how beauty practices and body politics shape identity, gender norms, religious expression, and selfhood within Muslim-majority societies. The interdisciplinary research combines perspectives from: Arabic Studies Islamic Studies Anthropology Gender Studies Middle Eastern Studies Literature Studies Cultural Studies The broader project conducts research across Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through ethnographic fieldwork, literary analysis, and digital research methodologies. Doctoral Research Focus The advertised fellowship supports a PhD subproject focusing on Lebanon, allowing the successful applicant to design and conduct an original doctoral research project within the wider HAIR framework. Applicants are invited to propose research addressing gendered body politics in Lebanon. Potential research themes include: Beauty and identity formation Hair and embodied practices Gender norms and femininities Religious discourse and political agendas Generational power structures Emotional experiences and affect Social expectations surrounding beauty and the body Candidates will work under the supervision of Professor Lisa Maria Franke while contributing to the collaborative objectives of the ERC research team. Key Responsibilities The successful doctoral fellow will undertake independent research while actively contributing to project activities. Research responsibilities include: Developing and conducting an original PhD research project Undertaking ethnographic and digital fieldwork Analysing Arabic literary texts and qualitative data Preparing research materials for computational analysis Contributing to theoretical debates within the project Academic expectations include: Completing a doctoral dissertation Publishing at least one article in a peer-reviewed journal Presenting research findings at international conferences The fellow will also: Participate in project meetings and workshops Contribute to academic event organisation Join doctoral training programmes at Ghent University Undertake limited teaching duties if required Eligibility Requirements Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, including: Arabic Studies Islamic Studies Anthropology Middle Eastern Studies Gender Studies Religious Studies Cultural Studies Related fields Candidates should also demonstrate: An outstanding Master’s dissertation focused on the contemporary Middle East Strong research and academic writing skills Interest in gender, embodiment, literature, and Muslim societies Excellent spoken and reading Arabic Excellent academic communication and writing skills in English Willingness to undertake international fieldwork Ability to work independently and collaboratively Desirable Qualifications Additional experience that will strengthen an application includes: Ethnographic or qualitative research experience Knowledge of regional languages or dialects Familiarity with gender theory, body studies, and affect theory Experience living or conducting research in the Middle East Digital humanities expertise, including database development, digital storytelling, or online exhibition curation Funding and Benefits The successful applicant will receive a fully funded full-time doctoral fellowship within one of Europe’s most prestigious research funding programmes. The appointment includes: An initial 12-month contract Extension to a maximum of 48 months following satisfactory evaluation Tax-free doctoral fellowship in accordance with Belgian regulations International academic training and supervision Opportunities for international mobility and networking Integration into an interdisciplinary ERC research team Ghent University staff also benefit from: Approximately 36 days of annual leave Fixed bridge holidays Bicycle allowance Eco vouchers Professional development and training opportunities Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application package before 31 July 2026. Required documents include: Curriculum Vitae and academic record (maximum two pages) Motivation letter outlining research interests and suitability (maximum two pages) Undergraduate and Master’s academic transcripts A research proposal of up to 2,000 words for the Lebanon case study, including: Project title Research rationale Positioning within existing scholarship Research objectives Methodology Work plan Contact details for three referees Samples of published academic work, where available Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 21 August 2026, with online interviews expected during the first week of September. Commitment to Diversity Ghent University reaffirmed its commitment to equal opportunities and diversity, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. The fellowship provides an opportunity for emerging scholars to contribute to internationally recognised research examining the intersections of gender, religion, identity, and society in contemporary Muslim contexts. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW