Project Coordinator (29789)

Ghent University; Town of Belgium (WI); On-site; USD 15,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days of holiday leave

Bicycle allowance

Eco vouchers

Job summary

Ghent University seeks an Administrative Assistant (20%) to support the ERC project HAIR in the Department of Languages and Cultures. The role involves providing administrative coordination, budgeting help, and liaison with central services to ensure smooth day-to-day project operations.

You hold at least a Master’s degree and have prior administrative or project support experience. Strong English skills are required; Dutch is an asset.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• Experience in administrative or project support, preferably in a research context.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Ability to manage tasks within a part-time schedule.
• Strong English communication; Dutch is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the ERC project and the PI.
• Monitor timelines, milestones, and reporting obligations.
• Liaise with UGent administrative services (HR, Finance, Research Support Office).
• Assist with budget follow-up and financial administration.
• Organise internal meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Support the organisation of international academic events.
• Assist in recruitment procedures and onboarding of project staff.
• Maintain project documentation and archives; support internal communication.
• Assist with website updates and basic dissemination tasks.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

English communication

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Religious sciences » Other

Sociology » Other

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Anthropology » Cultural anthropology Anthropology » Social anthropology Economics » Administrative sciences Economics » Management studies Religious sciences » Comparative religion Religious sciences » Other Sociology » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 30 Oct 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

Administrative Assistant (20%) – ERC Project “HAIR”

The Department of Languages and Cultures at Ghent University invites internal candidates to apply for a part-time (20%) Administrative Assistant position within the ERC-funded research project:

“HAIR – Hair, Identity, Beauty, and the Self in Muslim Contexts: Emotional Landscapes and Changing Femininities Beyond the Veil”

(Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Lisa Maria Franke, Department of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Philosphy, Ghent University)

Position Description

This position supports the administrative and organisational coordination of a major ERC research project. The assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the project. Given the long-term nature of the project, the role requires continuity and reliability in combination with strong organisational skills.

Work Schedule

The position corresponds to approximately one working day per week (20%). The exact working schedule can be arranged in consultation with the Principal Investigator. A regular, predictable presence (e.g. a fixed day per week) is preferred to ensure continuity in project coordination, though some flexibility can be accommodated depending on project needs (e.g. during events or deadlines).

YOUR TASKS

Project Administration & Coordination

Provide administrative support to the ERC project and the PI

Monitor timelines, milestones, and reporting obligations

Liaise with UGent administrative services (HR, Finance, Research Support Office)

Assist with budget follow-up and financial administration

Meetings & Event Organisation

Organise internal meetings, workshops and conferences

Support the organisation of international academic events

Recruitment & HR Support

Assist in the preparation and coordination of recruitment procedures

Support onboarding processes for project staff (PhDs, postdocs)

Communication & Documentation

Maintain structured project documentation and archives

Support internal communication within the research team

Assist with website updates and basic dissemination tasks

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You hold at least a Master’s degree

You have experience in administrative or project support (preferably in a research context)

You are highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to work independently

You are able to manage tasks efficiently within a part-time schedule

You have strong communication skills in English (Dutch is an asset)

Assets

Experience with ERC or EU-funded projects

Experience in organising academic events

Familiarity with UGent administrative procedures

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration.
• Your contract will start on 01.12.2026 at the earliest.

A part-time (20%) position within a prestigious ERC-funded project

A flexible role compatible with existing duties within the university

A dynamic and international research environment

Close collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team

• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.