Leiden/EU DG JRC Joint Doctorate PhD candidate for integrated circular economy modelling Leiden University in Netherlands

The Leiden University Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) and the EU DG Joint Research Centre (JRC) invite applications for a Joint Doctorate PhD position in integrated circular economy modelling. This unique opportunity allows the successful candidate to conduct research at both Leiden University in the Netherlands and the EU’s DG JRC in Sevilla, Spain, as part of a four-year trajectory. The position is embedded within the ACT! project, a National Science Agenda initiative investigating the transition to a Circular Economy, and benefits from a collaborative doctoral partnership agreement between Leiden and JRC focused on secure and sustainable supply of raw materials.

The PhD candidate will work on bottom-up and top-down modelling of the impact of circular economy transitions, with a focus on wellbeing, value and wealth creation, inclusion, distributive effects, and sustainability. Key responsibilities include building detailed physical stock vintages and flow data using industrial ecology methods (MFA, LCI, LCA), regional and sectoral specification of asset ownership and value-capturing potential, and developing an integrated micro–macro dynamic modelling suite for policy support. The research will involve close collaboration with other PhDs and postdocs at Leiden, Wageningen, and Tilburg Universities, as well as non-university modelling groups and international partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The candidate will spend the first few months and the final two years at Leiden University, with two years at JRC Sevilla in between. The Department of Industrial Ecology at CML hosts the PhD, offering a dynamic international environment and access to diverse research areas including industrial ecology and environmental biology. The JRC’s Unit B5 Circular Economy and Sustainable Industry provides interdisciplinary expertise to inform EU policy on industrial transformation, depollution, decarbonisation, and resource efficiency.

Applicants must hold a (research) master’s degree in industrial ecology, (ecological) economics/econometrics, or related fields, with strong data and modelling skills. Experience in sustainability research or environmental sciences is essential, along with proficiency in English. Dutch language skills are advantageous but not required. Candidates must be willing to spend two years each at Leiden and JRC Sevilla, and must meet nationality or residency requirements for JRC enrolment.

The position offers competitive funding: at Leiden University, a salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 per month, holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%), pension scheme, and attractive secondary employment conditions including sabbaticals, paid parental leave, sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options. Hybrid working and home-working allowances are provided. At JRC Sevilla, the candidate will receive a Grantholder contract with an indicative gross annual salary of €46,000. The PhD candidate will be fully embedded in Leiden University’s Graduate School of Science, with access to professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness programs.

Diversity and inclusiveness are core values at the Faculty of Science, with support for female researchers and equal opportunities for all. For further information, contact Prof. Arnold Tukker ([email protected]) or Dr. Rutger Hoekstra ([email protected]).

To apply, submit your application via the online recruitment system, including your CV, motivation letter (max 2 pages), and names/contact details of at least two referees. Applications received via email will not be considered. The deadline for applications is 19 June 2026 at 23:59. The first round of interviews will take place on 25 June 2026, with subsequent rounds including selection by JRC in agreement with Leiden University.