1. a master degree in social sciences
2. a high grade point average for the bachelor and master programs
3. a deep interest in and excellent knowledge of critical studies of the labour ecology nexus as well as agricultural policy.
4. knowledge in qualitative and quantitative empirical methods
5. interest in interdisciplinary research
6. excellent skills in English (command over Dutch or German is an additional asset)
7. a talent for combining personal initiative and team spirit
8. strong motivation to engage in a PhD program
The successful candidate is expected to prepare a PhD thesis on the topic of labour and ecology. The project will research the transformation of European agriculture in the ecological crisis. A focus will be on conflicts around fossil fuels and nitrogen.
The position offers the opportunity to help build up the new Labour and Ecology working group at KU Leuven and to contribute your own topics. The central task is to write a project proposal with prof. Schaupp on the topic of agriculture in the ecological crisis. The doctorate will then also be completed as part of this project.
You contribute to collective responsibilities of the research group (such as educational services, team meetings, research proposals, supervision of bachelor and master students, invigilating exams, student recruitment activities, etc.).
The PhD candidate will be employed at the Centre for Sociological Research (CeSO). The PhD-project is supervised by prof. Simon Schaupp.
9. a fulltime position, initially for 1 year, possibility of extention to 4 years.
10. starting date February 2026.
11. a monthly stipend of about 2 650 Euro net, depending on family situation and work experience
12. possibilities for further professional development (e.g. through additional courses, participation in workshops and seminars)
13. a stimulating and collegial international research environment