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) in Sevilla invite applications for a Joint Doctorate PhD position in integrated circular economy modelling. This unique four-year PhD trajectory is embedded in the Department of Industrial Ecology at Leiden University and the Unit B5 Circular Economy and Sustainable Industry at JRC, offering research stays in both Leiden and Sevilla. The position is part of the ACT! project, a National Science Agenda initiative investigating the transition to a Circular Economy, with over 20 partners collaborating on modelling, visioning, pathways, and case studies across sectors such as furniture, built environment, manufacturing, and households.

The PhD candidate will develop and apply advanced modelling techniques to assess the impact of circular economy transitions on wellbeing, value creation, inclusion, distributive effects, and sustainability. Key responsibilities include building detailed bottom-up physical stock vintages and flow data using industrial ecology methods (MFA, LCI, LCA), linking these to dynamic economic input-output models, specifying regional and sectoral changes in asset ownership and value-capturing potential, and developing integrated micro–macro dynamic modelling suites for policy support. The research will be conducted in 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), TNO, and Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving (PBL).

The candidate will spend the first few months and the final year at Leiden University, with two years at JRC Sevilla under a Grantholder contract. The position offers a competitive salary at Leiden (€3,059–€3,881 gross/month), holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension scheme, home-working allowance, laptop, and attractive secondary employment conditions. At JRC, the candidate will receive an indicative gross annual salary of €46,000 for 24 months. The PhD is fully embedded in Leiden University’s Graduate School of Science, which provides professional, skills, and personal effectiveness training. Remote supervision from Leiden is maintained during the JRC period.

Applicants must hold a (research) master degree in industrial ecology, (ecological) economics/econometrics, or a related field with strong data and modelling skills. Experience with sustainability research, life cycle assessment, material flow data, economic modelling, dynamic modelling, data harmonization, and programming is highly desirable. English proficiency is required; Dutch is advantageous. Candidates must be willing to spend two years each in Leiden and Sevilla and meet EU nationality or residency requirements for the JRC contract.

Diversity and inclusion are core values at Leiden University’s Faculty of Science. Female researchers are encouraged to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network. The application deadline is 19 June 2026 at 23:59. Interviews will begin on 25 June 2026. For enquiries, contact Prof. Arnold Tukker or Dr. Rutger Hoekstra. Apply online with your CV, motivation letter, and referee details, quoting the vacancy number. Applications via email will not be considered.