Doctoral scholarship “New mobility opportunities in urban sprawl”
KU Leuven is an autonomous university founded in 1425, part of the Science and Technology Group and coordinates research on architecture, urbanism and spatial planning. The Department of Architecture has more than 150 international PhD students.
Project
This project explores design‑based research on an ensemble of scenarios to apply synergetic changes in urban form that, alongside emerging mobility trends such as automated mobility services (AMS), walking, cycling and light electric vehicles (LEV), can create conditions in Flanders’ urban sprawl that support households in adopting sustainable mobility lifestyles. The research combines spatial and transport infrastructure with service design to provide scientific input for societal debate.
The doctoral candidate will work in parallel with a post‑doctoral researcher and two doctoral research tracks, focusing on design‑based exploratory methods at territorial and community scales, in dialogue with modelling developed in the parallel PhD.
Responsibilities
Follow the doctoral training program at the Arenberg Doctoral School.
Make a clearly defined contribution to teaching, including thesis guidance and course assistance.
Publish research in academic journals and books, present at international seminars and conferences, and disseminate work on non‑academic platforms.
Engage in general services for the Department of Architecture, such as exam surveillance and event organization.
Organise activities related to your research topic (e.g., international research meetings, conferences, exhibitions).
Profile
Holds a diploma in architecture, engineering‑architecture, urban studies, urban planning, or an equivalent field.
Has a Master’s degree in one of the above or related domains with excellent academic results and/or recognition through awards, publications, or other achievements.
Has interdisciplinary experience and sensitivity to topics related to transport mobility.
Meets the requirements to begin the doctoral training and is committed to completing a PhD within the research consortium.
Is interested in scientific research and driven to publish in relevant international scholarly journals.
Is a good communicator and enjoys teamwork, with a regular presence on campus.
Is proactive, self‑motivated and able to work autonomously under tight deadlines.
Can demonstrate excellent written and communicated in English and is committed to improving language skills.
Graphic and visual skills in drawing and mapping are an asset.
Is willing to relocate to Belgium for the duration of the position.
Offer
Full‑time PhD researcher appointment for an initial period of 1 year, extendable to maximum 4 years based on positive interim evaluations. Net scholarship equals 100 % of the salary of a junior academic staff member with similar qualifications (net wage scale 43). Based at the Faculty of Architecture, campuses Sint‑Lucas Ghent and Brussels, with frequent attendance at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, campus Heverlee/Leuven. Hybrid working arrangement combining on‑campus and remote work is possible. Benefits include eco vouchers, end‑of‑year bonus, holiday pay, hospital insurance and reimbursement of commuting costs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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.
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