PhD-Student Labour and Ecology

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  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type PhD Research Funding
  • Application deadlineNovember 23, 2025

Position Details (PhD Research Project)

The PhD candidate will be employed at the Centre for Sociological Research (CeSO). The PhD-project is supervised by prof. Simon Schaupp.
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Project

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.).

Profile

  • a master degree in social sciences
  • a high grade point average for the bachelor and master programs
  • a deep interest in and excellent knowledge of critical studies of the labour ecology nexus as well as agricultural policy.
  • knowledge in qualitative and quantitative empirical methods
  • interest in interdisciplinary research
  • excellent skills in English (command over Dutch or German is an additional asset)
  • a talent for combining personal initiative and team spirit
  • strong motivation to engage in a PhD program

Offer

  • a fulltime position, initially for 1 year, possibility of extention to 4 years.
  • starting date February 2026.
  • a monthly stipend of about 2 650 Euro net, depending on family situation and work experience
  • possibilities for further professional development (e.g. through additional courses, participation in workshops and seminars)
  • a stimulating and collegial international research environment

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Simon Schaupp, mail: [emailprotected]

With your application, please submit a two-page outline of a possible PhD project in the area. Please also submit a sample of your academic writing (published or unpublished).

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