Vacature PhD onderzoeker aansluiting tot de arbeidsmarkt van precaire profielen

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Faculteit Economie en Bedrijfswetenschappen Research Field Economics » Labour market economics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 5 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-591 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Within the framework of the multiannual research programme of Steunpunt Werk, this doctoral project focuses on precarious labour market profiles and their distance from the labour market, employment opportunities, and/or career pathways. The role of social benefits in facilitating or hindering transitions into and out of employment may also form part of the research. Potential target groups include: homemakers, single-parent households, newcomers and migrants, different categories of social assistance beneficiaries, persons with disabilities or long-term work incapacity, individuals at risk of losing unemployment benefits, other vulnerable labour market groups. The project may also examine precarious labour market profiles and the role of local governments and local policy interventions.
This four-year doctoral project contributes to the policy-oriented research programme of Steunpunt Werk, including labour market monitoring and analysis. At the same time, it offers substantial opportunities to make an important academic contribution and engage with key debates in labour market research and policy. The project has strong policy relevance, with a central objective of translating rigorous empirical research into clear and actionable policy insights. By combining advanced quantitative research with direct policy relevance, the project provides an opportunity to contribute both to the international academic literature and to the development of more effective labour market policies in Flanders and beyond.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated junior researcher to carry out this doctoral project. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• You hold a Master's degree in a relevant field, preferably Economics, Sociology, or a related discipline.
• You obtained at least a cum laude distinction during your Master's studies (and preferably also during an advanced research Master's programme, if applicable). This is an important and binding admission requirement for starting a PhD in (Applied) Economics at KU Leuven. Higher distinctions are considered an asset.
• An advanced research Master's degree is an advantage, but candidates without this additional qualification are also encouraged to apply.
• You possess strong skills in statistical, econometric, and quantitative data analysis and have experience with statistical software packages. You are motivated to further develop these skills.
• You have an interest in current societal and labour market issues.
• You are fluent in Dutch, both spoken and written. This is an important requirement given the Flemish context of the research and its stakeholders. You also have a good command of English.
• You possess excellent academic writing skills.
• You are a motivated researcher with a strong commitment to quality and scientific integrity.
• You can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• You are able to work under pressure, set priorities, meet deadlines, and work efficiently toward objectives.
• You communicate clearly, transparently, and professionally with various stakeholders, including colleagues, government agencies, businesses, and interest groups, both orally and in writing.
• You will join a dynamic and policy-oriented research environment focusing on labour market monitoring and labour market forecasting.
• We offer a competitive full-time PhD scholarship.
• The appointment is for four years, subject to a positive evaluation after the first year.
• Additional benefits include health insurance coverage, discounts on public transport, free bicycle use, access to university sports facilities, and other employee benefits.
• KU Leuven offers a wide range of academic, professional skills, and career development training opportunities.
• You will work in an attractive national and international research environment.
• You will be expected to participate in seminars and occasionally assist with teaching-related activities, including examination supervision.
• Upon successful completion of the doctoral project, you will be awarded a PhD degree.
• Preferred starting date: as soon as possible.
• You will join a dynamic and policy-oriented research environment focusing on labour market monitoring and labour market forecasting.
• We offer a compe