Reference
38658 / TECO 015 / 2027
UCLouvain seeks to recruit
A full-time academic position in Religious Studies (Asian Religions and Social Sciences)
Main campus: Louvain-la-Neuve
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
Post description
Within the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (THER) and the Religions, Spiritualities, Cultures, Societies Research Institute (RSCS), Social Sciences and Humanities Sector, this position will include the following teaching, research and community service duties:
Teaching
You will primarily teach in the field of religious studies: among other topics, you will be able to teach courses on Hinduism and Buddhism. Depending on your expertise and teaching approaches, you will also teach courses on contemporary forms of religion in Asia. You will teach across the various degree programs offered by the faculty. You will also supervise master’s theses.
Research
You will develop your research activities, including the coordination of research programs, in the field of religious studies, with a particular focus on at least one Asian religion (South and Himalayan Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia), from a perspective clearly grounded in the social sciences. Your research and work will demonstrate both a deep historical understanding of the religious traditions studied and a mastery of social science methods to examine their contemporary forms through original and relevant perspectives, capable of initiating or participating in collaborative projects both internally and internationally. You will supervise doctoral dissertations.
In addition …
Once tenured, you will carry out various service activities and responsibilities within the institution, such as being a member of a programme committee or examination committee, or having management responsibilities within the faculty or research institute.
You will also contribute to serving society, particularly in the economic, social, cultural or development cooperation fields. Finally, you will ensure, through research and teaching activities, the university’s international visibility.
Who we’re looking for
Education
You have a PhD in Religious Studies or any other field that has provided you with the required expertise.
Experience
You have a proven track record in university teaching, with evidence where possible by formal evaluations. Your scientific experience is demonstrated by publications of international standing.
You have supplemented this with an extended stay or significant experience abroad, outside the institution that awarded your doctorate.
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.
You can communicate in French and English. If this is not the case, you undertake to acquire a command of these two languages within two years of taking up your position. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
Specifically
You will be able to work with theologians from an interdisciplinary perspective.
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 90 hours for a full-time tenure-track position, and 150 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
(THER) (https://uclouvain.be/en/faculties/THER)
(RSCS) (https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/RSCS)
Need more information?
Questions about this position:
Prof. Olivier Riaudel, Dean THER – doyen-ther@uclouvain.be
Prof. Jean-Pascal Gay, President RSCS – president-rscs@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.
