PhD Candidate in Educational Sciences

About the FHSE

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. 
People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

Your role

The PhD position will be focused on conducting innovative research in the field of teacher education through the Growing schools; Growing futures project, newly funded by Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchess Charlotte, which seeks to advance biodiversity education in Luxembourg by supporting primary teachers in implementing innovative actions with their pupils.

Growing schools; Growing futures is an initiative of the SciTeach Center, a resource center dedicated to supporting the teaching of science at the primary levels in Luxembourg. The successful candidate will both coordinate and research the Growing schools; Growing futures initiative, thereby contributing to the research program of the SciTeach Center team, led by Prof. Dr. Christina Siry.

The PhD candidate will engage in independent as well as collaborative educational research focused on in-service teachers’ engagement in innovative co-development opportunities, with a focus on sociocultural theoretical perspectives as related to teacher education. The PhD candidate will co-design and implement participatory biodiversity school actions together with teachers and pupils, and will work as a part of a dynamic research and teacher education team while being affiliated with the Institute for Teaching and Learning and situated within the Department of Education and Social Work (DESW). The position includes organizing and coteaching professional development workshops for in-service teachers.

Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Christina Siry, the successful candidate will:

• Engage in research targeted at receiving a PhD in Educational Sciences (cumulative; i.e. based on peer-reviewed publications)
• Conduct an in-depth literature review to support the research plan
• Coordinate the organization of data-sets, including video data collection and management, and multi-level data analysis
• Communicate and collaborate with a research team, including teachers and student assistants
• Engage in international opportunities for learning and development (i.e., doctoral summer school possibilities)
• Take responsibility for administrative tasks within the project and the team, including coordinating the Growing schools; Growing futures initiative
• Author, and co-author, international publications (in English-speaking peer reviewed journals and at scientific conferences)

Your profile

• Masters degree in educational sciences or a related field
• Strong knowledge of, and interest, in qualitative research methods and / or educational research
• Experience working with primary aged students and / or teachers, a background in sciences and / or sustainability education will be considered an asset
• Fluency in English required, and proficiency in either German, French, or Portuguese is required due to the plurilingual participants and multilingual nature of our data resources, Luxembourgish will be considered an asset
• Willingness to travel internationally for conferences and training opportunities
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively
• Strong communication and administrative skills
• Experience working as part of a multi-professional team will be considered an asset

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
• Affiliation to an active research group with a profile of diverse scholarly and pedagogical activities and innovations
• Possibility to receive PhD based on publications and within a very reasonable amount of time
• Participation in a committed, interdisciplinary, internationally active team

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Letter of motivation
• Detailed CV, including publication record and teaching experience
• At least three names, addresses, and contact information of possible referees

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by 30 August 2025 ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07580

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).