Senior lecturer in visual storytelling and animation

Senior lecturer in visual storytelling and animation (100 percent—Brussels). LUCA School of Arts is a creative hub for almost 5,000 people: more than 4,000 students and 800 colleagues. LUCA offers them an educational and research environment to further develop their creative talent. We do this through offering higher education in the broad domain of the arts, and through artistic research, embedded within an associated Faculty of Arts at KU Leuven. LUCA has campuses in four cities: Ghent, Brussels, Leuven and Genk. LUCA is a member of the KU Leuven Association and the European University Alliance FilmEU.

In the context of the expertise network Artistic Practices, to be appointed within the team Visual Storytelling (Brussels), we are looking for a talented artist specialized in contemporary artistic visual storytelling, graphic novels with social relevance and/or animation projects. By “animation projects”, we mean a wide range of moving-image productions, including traditional animation film, video mapping, digital installations and other innovative forms of visual storytelling. We look for someone with a distinctive voice in both the visual and narrative aspects of their work, and able to contribute to both research and teaching through practice-based artistic research. The research activities are situated within the Visual Storytelling team, but can also connect to other teams, such as Art & Technology and Audiovisual Concepts.

The proposed starting date is September 1, 2026. Unit website.

Research
As a senior lecturer, you dedicate about half of your assignment to research. Together with colleagues, you will build a group of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. You will achieve research output of international standing and obtain external funding for additional research. The status of special guest lecturer in the arts allows you to be a supervisor of doctorates in the arts and research projects within KU Leuven.

Teaching
Your assignment includes teaching tasks within LUCA Visual Arts & Design and LUCA Graduate. These are mainly situated within the study programs Visual Storytelling and Animation Film (Schaerbeek campus). The assignment is broader than teaching, supervising and evaluating students. Together with colleagues, you develop teaching and learning activities, tailored to the student audience and within the context of the curriculum and the profile of the program. You also actively contribute to the quality of the program, and you are an ambassador for LUCA with regard to prospective students and alumni.

Service
Scientific, social and internal services are also part of the assignment, as well as professionalisation and international networking. You are also expected to take on a leadership role within LUCA and KU Leuven at certain times.

Profile
We are looking for a researcher who can build bridges between the visual story and animation film courses and connect students from both departments through their own research and practice. The candidate will be involved in teaching practical subjects (master projects) and theoretical reflection (master thesis and electives in the master), and will also contribute to the bachelor program, including undergraduate project supervision and studio assignments. You hold a PhD.

You have social and educational skills, you are collegial and communicative, and motivated to continuously develop your expertise. You act respectfully and with integrity, in line with LUCA’s code of conduct. You contribute to an inclusive work and study environment, you are open to different opinions, and value diversity between individuals and groups as an asset.

You are able to teach in Dutch or English, and/or you are prepared (if necessary) to become proficient in both languages. LUCA will ensure language training opportunities. You are loyal and endorse the mission, vision and policy of LUCA and KU Leuven.

Offer
This vacancy is for a statutory appointment of indefinite duration for 100% vacant position with the rank of “docent (OP3)” at LUCA School of Arts. A tenured position can be applied for in due course. In addition, you will acquire the status of special guest lecturer in the arts within KU Leuven for a first term of five years.

The remuneration is paid in the relevant salary scale 528, as defined by the government. Commuting by public transport or by bicycle is reimbursed, you get a teacher's card, discounts through joint purchase, and the option to take out hospitalisation insurance at a favourable rate.

You will find yourself in an environment where respect and integrity define our basic attitude, where we see sustainability and diversity as an asset, and where quality is our driving force.

LUCA and KU Leuven want all talents to develop to the fullest, regardless of gender, age, cultural origin, nationality or disability. We therefore welcome all talented people who recognise the added value of diversity and want to help shape an inclusive organisation.

Research environment (associated faculty within KU Leuven) / Study programs LUCA School of Arts / European University Alliance FilmEU

Interested
More information about this vacancy can be obtained from the director of the expertise network Pieter Schuermans (pieter.schuermans@luca-arts.be), Kersti Grunditz Brennan (kersti.grunditzbrennan@luca-arts.be), and from the responsibles for the expertise team and the programs involved.

Applications consist of: (1) a motivation letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a portfolio, (4) a certificate of diploma (or declaration of equivalence), (5) a bio-sketch. This bio-sketch is a free text of no more than two pages in which you briefly outline your past career and your future plans in three parts: (a) the crucial elements of your past career (with attention to their importance and impact), (b) the main points of your future activities (with an emphasis on the first five years), (c) your added value and opportunities for collaboration within LUCA and KU Leuven. Only complete applications are eligible.

Interviews with candidates, and any interactive workshops, will follow after pre-selection based on the file. You can apply for this job no later than January 5, 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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