PhD Position in Agricultural and Environmental Economics – Climate Adaptation and Trade Hasselt University in Belgium

The Centre of Environmental Sciences (CMK) at Hasselt University in Belgium is offering a full-time PhD position in Agricultural and Environmental Economics. The research topic focuses on adaptation to climate variability via agricultural trade, aiming to quantify how international agri-food trade flows respond to climate shocks and the adaptation potential of trade under future climate scenarios. The PhD student will work in the Environmental Economics group, supervised by Prof. dr. ir. Charlotte Janssens, and benefit from national and international collaborations.

Research will involve large-scale data analysis of historical climate shocks, crop production variability, and international trade flows, as well as model-based predictions about future climate variability. The student will develop and calibrate economic models of agricultural trade and crop yield variability (e.g., in GAMS) to simulate market mechanisms and trade policies under future climate shocks.

Applicants must hold (or expect to complete by August 2026) a Master's degree in Agricultural, Development, Environmental Economics, Agricultural, Environmental, or Business Engineering. Required skills include quantitative research methods, statistical programming (R, Python, STATA), mathematical economic modeling, a solid foundation in algebraic mathematics, excellent English communication, and a strong interest in sustainability, climate change adaptation, and global food systems.

The position offers a doctoral grant covering 100% of 4 years, conditional on positive evaluation after 2 years. The research environment is stimulating, international, and interdisciplinary, with access to the UHasselt Doctoral Schools, excellent research networks, and personal career development support.

To apply, candidates should email Prof. dr. ir. Charlotte Janssens ([email protected]) by April 17th, 2026, with the subject line 'PhD Application 2026'. Applications must include a CV, a motivation letter (1-2 pages), and a writing sample (e.g., MSc thesis or working paper).