PhD position in Finance KU Leuven in Belgium

The Department of Accounting, Finance & Insurance at KU Leuven invites applications for a PhD position in Finance. This opportunity is ideal for highly motivated candidates interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in Business Economics, with a focus on corporate finance or corporate governance. The PhD project will be closely linked to the supervisors' research agendas, covering both theoretical and empirical aspects of corporate finance. Research topics may include the optimal design of financial contracts and securities, executive compensation, managerial incentives, corporate disclosure and financial reporting (including intangible liabilities and CSR), firm-level effects of financial, labour-market, or environmental regulation, and sustainable finance. Additional areas such as capital structure, payout policy, capital allocation, corporate investment, M&A, and banking can be explored based on the candidate's interests.

Applicants must have successfully completed a master's degree in business economics, economics, econometrics, finance, business engineering, or an adjacent quantitative discipline (e.g., mathematics, statistics, physics, or computer science) by September 2026. Candidates should demonstrate excellent academic qualifications at both bachelor and master levels, genuine enthusiasm for academic research, and ambition to pursue a research career. Proficiency in English is required to communicate effectively with colleagues. GRE or GMAT test scores and/or evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) are recommended.

The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship, starting with an initial 12-month period and extendable up to a maximum of 4 years upon positive evaluation. The individualized doctoral program allows students to devote four years to full-time research, ultimately leading to a doctoral degree and preparing graduates for academic careers at top universities or research positions in policy institutions. The Department provides a dynamic, stimulating, and pleasant working environment, and the student will join the Research Group Finance, which has a strong international reputation and is part of a wide network of universities, companies, and institutions.

KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment, embracing diversity as an asset and promoting equal opportunity. The university does not tolerate discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status.

For more information, contact Prof. dr. Florian Hoffmann ([email protected]) or Prof. dr. Arnt Verriest ([email protected]). Detailed program information, including admission requirements and placement records, is available at this link. Applications should be submitted online via the KU Leuven jobsite, including a curriculum vitae, research statement, transcript of all university grades, and recommended GRE or GMAT test score and/or evidence of English proficiency.