PhD Opportunity in Transnational Education Policy and Qualitative Research at KU Leuven Kulak

KU Leuven Kulak’s Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences & COOLS invites applications for a four-year, full-time PhD project titled “The Discursive and Affective Governance of Teach for All.” This research explores how teacher training policies, specifically through the Teach for All initiative, are mobilized and adapted across national borders, focusing on the Belgian and French contexts. The project investigates the discursive and affective elements that shape support or resistance to such initiatives, combining theoretical framework development with empirical qualitative research.

The PhD will be supervised by Eline Vanassche (KU Leuven Kulak) and Mathias Decuypere (Institut Unterstrass an der PH Zürich), offering interdisciplinary guidance and access to an internationally oriented academic community. The successful candidate will conduct fieldwork, engage in seminars, and participate in interdisciplinary academic activities at KU Leuven Kulak, located in Kortrijk, Belgium.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Educational Sciences or a related field such as Sociology, demonstrate academic excellence, and have a strong interest in international/transnational education policy. Affinity for qualitative-interpretive research and willingness to specialize further are essential. Fluency in English (C1) and good knowledge of Dutch and/or French (B1+) are required for fieldwork. Candidates should be proactive, persistent, and able to build strong research relationships.

Funding: The position offers a full-time doctoral scholarship for up to four years (initially one year, renewable), with a competitive salary and benefits including flexible work options, hospital insurance, eco-cheques, public transport reimbursement, subsidized meals, and access to a KU Leuven bike. The environment is supportive of professional and academic growth.

Application Process: Submit your application via the KU Leuven online application tool. Required documents include a CV (max. 2 pages), transcripts, motivation letter (max. 2 pages) with a paragraph on research in transnational and multilingual contexts, an example of academic writing, and contact details of two referees. The deadline is 26 March 2026 (23:59 CET). Interviews are tentatively scheduled for 3 April 2026 in Kortrijk.

For more information, visit the official job posting or contact the supervisors.

Keywords: transnational education policy, qualitative research, teacher training, policy translation, affective governance, Teach for All, educational sciences, sociology, multilingual research.