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Two PhD researcher positions in Agricultural and Environmental Ethics

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type PhD Research Funding
  • Application deadlineJanuary 5, 2026
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

The Institute of Philosophy of KU Leuven is inviting applications for two PhD researcher positions in normative agricultural and environmental ethics (each 4 years full-time). The successful applicants will be part of the European Research Council-funded project “BIOTA: A Biocentric Ethic of Sustainable Agriculture” and supervised by Prof. Anna Wienhues.

The successful applicants will start on (or shortly after) the 1st of September 2026.
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Project

The first position is aimed at a prospective PhD candidate who will develop the theme “the ethics of sustainable agriculture”. More specifically, their research project should concern the normative and conceptual relationship between sustainability, socio-ecological resilience and agriculture, and more specifically aim to theorise the ethics of sustainable plant agriculture. The second position is aimed at a prospective PhD candidate who will develop the theme “the ethics of adapting plants to climate change”. More specifically, their research project should concern the ethics of adapting plants in agricultural contexts to climate change via biotechnological means. Applicants are invited to propose a project that falls within one of these two thematic areas.
The primary responsibility of the successful candidates is to develop and write a doctoral thesis in normative environmental ethics on one of the two thematic areas set out above. That includes fulfilling the requirements of the the doctoral programme of the Institute of Philosophy at KU Leuven during their doctoral studies. Seehiw.kuleuven.be/en/research/phd for more details.
In addition, candidates are expected to conduct their research while being present at the Institute of Philosophy, and participate in and contribute to the different common activities of the BIOTA research project (e.g., team meetings, reading group and workshops) as well as of the RIPPLE research unit (e.g., plenary seminar).

Profile

  • The candidate holds (or is about to obtain before the start date of the position) a Master’s diploma in Philosophy with a high overall grade. That degree will be compared to the standard admission requirements for the Institute of Philosophy’s doctoral programme which is that the candidate must hold a Research Master’s in Philosophy with an overall percentage of at least 75%. More interdisciplinary profiles are welcome to apply for these positions as well (e.g., holding degrees that combine philosophy with other disciplines such as from the natural or social sciences).
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English (demonstrated by a degree awarded from an English-speaking university or by being able to provide a certificate for one of the Institute of Philosophy’s accepted tests of English proficiency, after being selected).
  • Strong analytical skills, theoretical creativity and intellectual curiosity.
  • Strong interest in conducting research in analytical normative environmental philosophy and particularly plant and agricultural ethics therein.
  • Ability to work independently and good organisational skills.
  • Willingness to conduct research as part of a larger project and ability to integrate well into a team.
  • An interdisciplinary mindset and educational background are a plus.

Offer

The successful candidates will each receive a 4-year full-time research scholarship to conduct their doctoral research as part of the BIOTA research project, incl. office space, opportunities for organising workshops, attending international conferences and an international research visit. They will be enrolled in the doctoral programme of the Institute of Philosophy at KU Leuven. KU Leuven is a major European research university that is celebrating its 600th anniversary in 2025. The Institute of Philosophy is located in the center of Leuven – a picturesque market town a short 25-minute train journey from Brussels, the Belgian capital. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with other environmental philosophers as part of the BIOTA research project and they will be a member of the vibrant RIPPLE research unit (Research in Political Philosophy and Ethics Leuven) that organises regular plenary seminars with distinguished speakers as well as a variety of thematic seminars and reading groups (including on environmental philosophy, ethics and justice). RIPPLE currently consists of 11 senior staff members, 5 postdoctoral researchers, and an international group of about 20 doctoral students.

Interested?

Please submit your application using the application tool. The application should include:
- A short cover letter explaining your relevant background and motivation to apply for this vacancy
- A brief research proposal (max 2 pages) on one of the two PhD topics outlined above
- Bachelor’s and (if already available) Master’s transcripts and diplomas
- CV incl. the names and contact details of two academic references
- A writing sample, such as an excerpt from the Master’s thesis or a course paper (25 pages max)
- A brief declaration (max. half a page) on the use of generative AI tools for the production of any of the materials submitted for this vacancy, including a statement that describes the candidate’s general position on the use of AI tools for philosophical research
- If available, test certificate for proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL etc.)
The deadline for applications is the 5th of January 2026. Interviews will be held in the beginning of February 2026.
If selected, then the final job offer will be contingent on the approval of the Institute’s doctoral committee as well as the university’s admissions office. Please consult the admission requirements to the Institute of Philosophy’s doctoral programme. Candidates with more interdisciplinary profiles that might not fully reflect the Institute of Philosophy’s standard admission requirements are more than welcome to apply, but should get in touch to get an initial eligibility check (also here any job offer would still be contingent on the approval of the Institute’s doctoral committee in case of being selected for one of the two positions).
Persons from underrepresented groups in philosophy are especially encouraged to apply.
For further information about this vacancy, please contact Anna Wienhues ([emailprotected]).

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.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

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