Researcher Implementation of Circular Fashion in Retail Environments

Organisation/Company Hasselt University Research Field Architecture Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 22 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 16 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Your function

Within the VLAIO COOCK+ project CIRCFashion – Virtual Retail Lab, we are looking for a motivated researcher to contribute to an innovative research project focusing on the physical store of the future. Together with Thomas More, companies and designers, we are developing methodologies that enable circular retail concepts to be virtually designed, tested and evaluated.

As a researcher, you will contribute to the development of methodologies for designing and evaluating circular retail concepts. You will analyse international best practices, prepare user studies and validation activities with companies, process and interpret research data, and contribute to the development of design and evaluation tools for the Flemish fashion sector. You will also be responsible for preparing and facilitating workshops, demonstrations and validation sessions with companies and other stakeholders.

Your team

ArcK is the research group of the Faculty of Architecture and Arts that focuses on research in architecture and interior architecture. We conduct fundamental and applied research on the built environment. In a multidisciplinary team we work on important societal challenges, such as a purposeful and adaptive reuse of our heritage, the inclusion of diverse groups in spatial transformation processes, critical reflection on and contribution to the environmental impact of our built environment, inclusive design, design for wellbeing and experience,... This vacancy frames the research within the topic of Retail Design (Designing for More).

• You hold a Master’s degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Interior Architecture, Product Design, or an equivalent field. (or equivalent)
• You have a strong interest in retail design, user experience, spatial design and practice-oriented research.
• You have a strong affinity with sustainability and circular thinking.
• You are interested in research on the interaction between users and the built environment. Experience with user research, observations, interviews, or other qualitative research methods is an asset.
• You have demonstrable research experience in one or more areas relevant to the project and are willing and able to quickly familiarise yourself with new research methods and topics.
• You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and are able to collaborate constructively and co‑creatively with researchers, companies and other stakeholders.
• You have strong analytical skills and are able to translate research findings into clear reports, design recommendations and presentations.
• You work in a structured, accurate and independent manner and take initiative when needed.
• You have strong communication and reporting skills in Dutch.
• You feel comfortable facilitating workshops, presenting research findings and speaking to groups.

We offer a one-year appointment, with the possibility of a two-year extension following a positive evaluation. The anticipated start date is 1 December 2026. For the first year, a 40% appointment is foreseen, subject to the researcher’s level of seniority. For the subsequent two years, a 35% appointment is foreseen.

Selection process

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file, an interview and a test lesson / presentation.
Job interviews will take place on 29 October in the afternoon.