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Doctoral fellowship for design driven research in the domain of Interior Architecture

  • //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 deadlineExpired
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

The Department of Architecture is part of the Science and Technology Group at KU Leuven and coordinates the research on Interior Architecture, Architecture, Urbanism and Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Architecture (Brussels and Ghent) and the Faculty of Engineering Science (Leuven). The Department enjoys an international reputation and currently counts more than 150 (international) PhD students. As the research is design-driven, the doctoral researcher will be part of the research group Material Narratives / research cells Architecture & Wicked Matters and Radical Materiality. Connecting specific interior expertise, and framing the design-driven research in a broader mixed-method approach, the doctoral researcher will also intensively exchange with the research groups Architecture, Interiority, Inhabitation (A2I) and Architectural Cultures of the Recent Past (ARP) of the section History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture.

The PhD research will be supervised by prof. Johan Liekens and one of his colleague-professors from the section History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture, active in the Master of Interior Architecture Program. It will connect to ongoing research lines and aims to strengthen design-driven research in the domain of Interior Architecture.
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Project

The candidate is invited to propose a research project that has a clear focus on Interior Architecture and that requires a design-driven approach. Moreover, it is important that the proposed project connects to ongoing research lines.

The following thematic paragraph provides a frame for the research, to which the candidate will relate a position:
In the research, interior architecture is approached as an ‘interiorizing’ practice, able to negotiate as well as substantiate novel senses of ‘interiority’. A typology, connecting ‘off-grid’, ‘tiny’ habitation with ‘study’ or ‘lab’ as a peculiar space of intensification, further refines the research interest. Two research lines and methodological approaches will be centered on this. These run simultaneous, interconnected and guide the research process. Utilizing a design-driven research approach, one line will approach interiority from the development by-design of new, speculative mode(l)s of entanglement between interior/human and —material— landscape/ecology, as such studying and inspiring a novel culture of (co-)habitation. Another line, which embeds the research, will approach interiority and the associated typology of ‘retreat’ through literature- and case-studies, inquiring them as a ‘cultural technique’, in which the equilibrium between a contemplative and an active life is renegotiated. For both research lines, cases will be offered to kick-start the research.
The candidate is further advised to closely look at the information available on the website of the Department.
In line with carrying out the research project in close collaboration with your supervisors, your job will consist of:
  • starting the doctoral training program at the Arenberg Doctoral School of the KU Leuven and at the Faculty of Architecture;
  • actively participating in writing funding applications with the aim of finding subsequent funding for the PhD research;
  • publishing your research in academic journals and books, contributing to ADRO (Artistic and Design Related Research Output);
  • presenting at international seminars and conferences, while aiming to disseminate your work also on non-academic platforms;
  • making a clearly defined contribution to teaching at the Faculty;
  • engaging in general services for the Sint-Lucas Campus (including for example surveillance of exams, assisting the organization of events, etc.);
  • organizing activities related to your research topic (e.g. international research meetings, conferences, exhibitions);
  • being an active member of the research group you will be embedded in (presenting and sharing ideas and work,…);

Profile

We are looking for an outstanding candidate who:

  • has obtained a master’s degree in Interior Architecture with distinction and is eligible to apply for an FWO-fellowship. Please thoroughly check:https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/phd/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/;
  • has distinguished themselves during their studies, academic career or professional life; and can demonstrate this by means of distinctions, achievement, awards, or endorsements;
  • are able to show proof of excellent writing and graphic/visual skills by means of a portfolio and article, book chapter, or master’s thesis;
  • has relevant or promising provisional experience in design driven research;
  • are enthusiast and skilled to publicly present their work and engage in discussions with peers;
  • are proactive, and enjoy taking initiative;
  • are eager to work with a high level of autonomy;
  • are impelled to contributing to team work as well as able to work individually;
  • have a good command of English;
  • they live in, or are willing to move to Belgium for the duration of the position.

Offer

  • We offer an appointment as a full-time PhD researcher for the duration of 1 year.
  • This period can be extended to a maximum of 4 years in total in case of a successful application for external funding and depending on positive interim evaluations.
  • The net amount of a PhD scholarship is equal to 100% of the salary of a member of junior academic staff with the same qualifications, age and family status (net wage scale 43).

  • Other benefits include: eco vouchers, end of year bonus and holiday pay (for scholarship holders subject to full social security), hospital insurance and reimbursement of commuting costs.

  • You will be based at the Faculty of Architecture, campus Sint-Lucas Ghent. The starting date of the position is envisioned in April/May 2026.
  • Within this position, you will be part of KU Leuven, a university where 13,000 colleagues together make top-level teaching and research possible. This includes an exciting work environment that offers opportunities to build your experience and develop your skills.
  • In addition, various initiatives are taken, locally and centrally, to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of colleagues in this work environment.

Scale 43
Working conditions

Interested?

For more information, please contact prof. Johan Liekens ([emailprotected]). Candidates are invited to apply online on 28.11.2025 at 00.59h the latest. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 19.12.2025 in Ghent or, if necessary, online.

Please include in your application file (in English):
- a cover letter with a clear motivation (2 pages max);
- a concise research statement with your tentative vision on the research project, describing your proposed research focus, theoretical and design perspective. Please, also indicate how your proposal could concretely connect to the thematic paragraph of this vacancy and to ongoing research developed in the connected research groups. (2 pages max);
- a CV;
- a portfolio and/or sample of relevant research or work experience, preferably showing your writing and drawing (or other visual) skills (a paper, article, bookchapter, thesis, professional project, …).

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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