Junior Professor in het domein van Critical Reflective Practice – Interior Architecture

Overview

KU Leuven invites applications for a part‑time (50 %) tenure‑track position as a Junior Professor (ZAP) in the domain of interior architecture. The role is created for scholars who combine an exemplary practice in interior architecture with a demonstrable teaching competence in design studios and a strong research or practice dossier on design. Candidates without a doctoral title may be appointed as a guest professor (50 %) until the doctorate is obtained. The appointment in the autonomous academic staff (ZAP) starts upon completion of the PhD.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct design‑driven research that contributes to the evolving field of interior ecology, including the production of artistic and design‑led research outputs (ADRO) and scholarly publications.
• Align research activities with ongoing programmes and projects, establish collaborations within and outside the department, and promote the research group.
• Serve as a PhD supervisor and committee member, fostering doctoral projects with a design‑driven focus.
• Provide high‑quality teaching (up to 30 % of the contracted time) in interior architecture design studios for bachelor and master programmes and mentor graduate students.
• Apply research insights and practice knowledge to enhance the design‑studio environment and contribute to the pedagogical project of the faculty.
• Deliver scientific, societal, and internal services, participate in academic management, and support the positioning of design as a core discipline within the Faculty of Architecture.
• Engage in public outreach events, information days, and other activities that promote the department and the Faculty to students and the professional community.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in interior architecture and a practice‑based and/or design‑driven doctoral degree; if the doctorate is not yet obtained, appointment may be made as a guest professor until the doctorate is achieved (maximum five years).
• Demonstrated portfolio of artistic and design‑related work that illustrates a research character and can be developed into ADRO.
• Strong academic teaching credentials and experience with studio‑based learning environments.
• Evidence of research activity in interior architecture, including publications in international journals, ADRO, and a coherent research profile.
• Capacity for leadership, teamwork, and the creation of collaborative opportunities for students and colleagues.
• Excellent command of English (mandatory) and Dutch at the C1 level for teaching and internal service.

Benefits & Working Conditions

• Part‑time (50 %) contract with a 5‑year tenure‑track period, after which permanent employment may be awarded based on evaluation.
• Start financing of €110,000 for new professors and an equivalent research position for two years.
• Research facilities and international collaboration opportunities within the Faculty of Architecture and the Department of Architecture & Design.
• Support for immigration, housing, childcare, and language learning for foreign professors and families.

EEO and Inclusiveness

KU Leuven is an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe community. We value diversity and offer opportunities for all individuals regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, national origin, skin colour, religious or philosophical beliefs, neuro‑divergence, occupational disability, health, or socioeconomic status. We do not accept any form of discrimination.