JOB OFFER Researcher Communication (Applied Rhetoric) (M/F/X) Dept Economy, Management and Leadership > Research Unit Leadership and Communication Project ARGUS Publication: 09/02/2026 CONTEXT In the framework of the study ARGUS (Applied Rhetoric for Guidance and Upgrading of Speech/Negotiation for Leaders), we are looking for a full-time researcher in Communication (Applied Rhetoric) with a PhD degree in Linguistics and Literature (Rhetoric). The Royal Military Academy is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources. We value diversity and equal opportunities. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, or come from any background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. PROJECT You work within the department of Economy, Management and Leadership of the Faculty of Social and Military Science of the RMA and in close collaboration with Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). You conduct scientific research at university level on a project entitled ARGUS (Applied Rhetoric for Guidance and Upgrading of Speech/Negotiation for Leaders). As post-doctoral research, ARGUS/N-L will develop an innovative model of persuasive skills and trainings tailored for military leadership. This will enable Belgian Defence leaders, operating in complex military and civilian environments, to influence and negotiate with greater effectiveness, relational intelligence, and if needed crisis discernment. The project is a collaboration between RMA, the Defence Leadership Platform, and GRAL (ULB), aligning with international research in rhetoric (ISHR) and negotiation (PON programs). MAIN TASKS Theoretical Framework and Initial Analysis To establish a rigorous theoretical and methodological foundation for the ARGUS/N-L project, drawing from pragmatic rhetoric (Brussels School) and existing military doctrine, and to prepare a working analytical framework for the subsequent design and testing phases Development of Pedagogical Tools To design, prototype and refine a structured set of pedagogical tools—including rhetorical exercises (progymnasmata) and negotiation simulations—adapted to various levels of leaders training Implementation in Training Programmes To deploy and adjust the tools developed in previous package within actual training settings across RMA and the Defence College, including Bachelor, Master, and 1st–3rd cycle programmes. Evaluation and Adjustments To assess the effectiveness of the pedagogical tools deployed, measure their impact on soft skills development, and refine them based on empirical feedback and data analysis. Project Management To ensure the administrative, financial, and technical coordination of the project and facilitate timely progress, monitoring, and reporting. Dissemination, Valorisation and Impact To maximise the project's impact through strategic dissemination, academic valorisation, Defence internal adoption, and international visibility. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Degree required : PhD degree in Linguistics and Literature (in Rhetoric, NOT in Communication Studies nor in Discourse Analysis) This position is open for junior profiles (ideally 0-3 years of experience). \"MUST HAVE\" skills: Masters rhetoric as an autonomous discipline (not communication studies nor generic soft‑skills training). Is able to produce a doctrinal/theoretical framework; publishing one article per year (ISHR, international journals); articulating theory, action‑research in teaching, and ethics. Has solid, demonstrable experience with experimental pedagogical devices, including exercises, simulations, progymnasmata, soft‑skills assessment. Is able to integrate these tools into: Bachelor programmes, Master programmes, Defence 1st–3rd cycle training. Is able to work effectively with Belgian military personnel, demonstrating familiarity with Defence structures, terminology, constraints, and operational timelines. \"NICE TO HAVE\" skills: Has academic training in pragmatic rhetoric and a solid command of the epistemology of the Brussels School. Has been teaching rhetoric and argumentation for at least three years, at multiple higher‑education levels (university / university college). Understands the ethical issues specific to Defence, including phronēsis and the distinction between manipulation and persuasion. Personal skills: You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment. You think in an innovative and creative way. You communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner. You take initiative. You are involved and result oriented. Other skills: The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written). Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense. Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is both part of NATO and the EU will be eligible. Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study. APPLICATION Please send by email a CV (and confirm to us your EU/NATO nationality for security purposes related to this research that limit the allowed nationalities) to Colonel Military Administrator Alexandre Yerna, MSc Ind ) and to ERM-DEAO-STAFF-HRMGT- Please mention clearly the reference of the project in your email: \"ARGUS\" and please also precise your nationality. Application deadline: 20 February 2026. The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates. CONTRACT Probable date of recruitment: From 13th April 2026, in consultation with the applicant. Status: Full-time employment based on a long-term contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant). Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed until 2030. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay. Wage scale: class A2 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master's in Engineering Sciences, doctor's degree in the same area of expertise). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations. Holiday pay. EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test; End-of-year bonus; Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member); Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute); Meal vouchers (6€ / day); Digital allowance (15€ / month); Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours; On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu); Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week; Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max); Holidays: 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years) 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays). Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the card (discounts, vouchers...); Entitlement to services offered by the 'Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...; Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability). WORKPLACE Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels . Occasional travels abroad for scientific conferences, etc. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Research Industries Higher Education