PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Economics: Climate Adaptation and Trade Modeling Hasselt University in Belgium

The Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) at Hasselt University is offering a full-time PhD position in Agricultural and Environmental Economics, focusing on adaptation to climate variability via agricultural trade. The research will be supervised by Assistant Professor Charlotte Janssens and is embedded in the Environmental Economics group at UHasselt. The project aims to investigate how international agri-food trade flows respond to climate shocks, quantifying the adaptation potential of trade under future climate change scenarios.

PhD 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 candidate will develop and calibrate an economic model of agricultural trade and crop yield variability (e.g., in GAMS) to simulate market mechanisms and trade policies under climate shocks.

Applicants should have a master's degree in Agricultural, Development, or Environmental Economics, or Agricultural, Environmental, or Business Engineering. Candidates finishing their master's by August 2026 are also eligible. Required skills include quantitative research methods, statistical programming (R, Python, STATA), mathematical economic modeling (e.g., GAMS), and a solid foundation in algebraic mathematics. Excellent English communication skills, a keen interest in sustainability, climate change adaptation, and global food systems, and strong motivation to pursue a PhD are essential.

The position offers a fully funded doctoral grant for 4 years (conditional on positive evaluation after 2 years), access to stimulating international and interdisciplinary research environment, PhD program, excellent research networks, and personal career development support. The application deadline is April 17th, 2026, and the starting date is September 1st, 2026 (or sooner).

To apply, candidates should email Prof. Charlotte Janssens with their CV, motivation letter (1-2 pages), and a writing sample (e.g., MSc thesis or working paper). For more information, see the links provided.