PhD Position in Transnational Urbanism and Conflict Studies at KU Leuven Department of Architecture

This fully funded PhD position at KU Leuven’s Department of Architecture offers an exciting opportunity to join an interdisciplinary research project at the intersection of urbanism, conflict studies, and migration studies. The project investigates the formation of transnational ‘urban warscapes’ between cities in Eastern DRCongo and Flanders, with a particular focus on the everyday spatial experiences of women. The research aims to deepen understanding of the complex relationships between migration, war, and urbanisation across transnational geographies, contributing to new theoretical frameworks for urban studies. Supervision is provided by Prof. Luce Beeckmans (Urban Design, Urbanism, Landscape and Planning section, KU Leuven) and co-supervised by Prof. Karen Büscher (Conflict Research Group, Ghent University). The project is part of a new FWO-funded initiative, bringing together researchers trained in urbanism and political anthropology. Collaborative, multi-sited fieldwork will be conducted in secondary cities in both DRCongo and Flanders, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the mobility and transformation of conflict narratives, social tensions, and their impact on urban settlement and home-making practices within the Congolese diaspora. The UULP research section at KU Leuven is dedicated to addressing major socio-ecological challenges such as planetary urbanisation, climate change, migration, social inequality, and the housing crisis. The group emphasizes the critical role of urban design, urbanism, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning in navigating these issues. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse academic environment committed to equal opportunity and open dialogue. Applicants should hold an excellent Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning or a related discipline, with a strong research interest in transnational urbanism and displacement. Affinity with migration and gender studies is advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English and French, with knowledge of local languages of Eastern DRCongo highly welcomed. Regional expertise in Eastern DRCongo or the Congolese diaspora in Belgium is recommended. Technical skills in mapping (ArcGIS, QGIS), AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, and web development for data visualization are desirable. All candidates are encouraged to submit their Master’s thesis and/or relevant English writing samples. Short-listed candidates will be asked to complete assignments to test language and technical skills. The position is fully funded for four years, with research based at KU Leuven in Heverlee (Leuven) and fieldwork in Flanders and Eastern DRCongo. KU Leuven fosters an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment, embracing diversity and rejecting all forms of discrimination. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Luce Beeckmans at [email protected] . Application deadline is 16 February 2026. Apply via the KU Leuven job portal using the provided link.