PhD position in Marketing Strategy KU Leuven in United Kingdom

The Department of Marketing at KU Leuven is offering a full-time funded PhD position in Marketing Strategy within an internationally recognized research group. The department conducts rigorous and managerially relevant research across marketing modeling, marketing management and strategy, and consumer behavior, with staff based across the Antwerp, Brussels, and Leuven campuses. Its researchers publish in leading journals such as the Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Marketing Science, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Retailing, and Journal of Service Research.

The PhD project focuses on Customer Success Management (CSM) and asks whether investments in CSM actually generate organizational value. The successful candidate will investigate questions such as whether implementing CSM creates value for firms, how investors react to CSM announcements, and whether CSM improves long-term financial performance. The project is designed to provide empirical evidence on the financial impact of customer success initiatives in an era where many organizations are shifting from product sales to subscription-based service models.

The doctoral researcher will join the Department of Marketing at KU Leuven and work under the supervision of Prof. dr. Yves Van Vaerenbergh. The position offers a dynamic research environment, access to an extensive international academic network, collaboration opportunities with leading service organizations, and the possibility of international research stays depending on budget approval.

Applicants should have a strong quantitative profile and a relevant master’s degree in Business Engineering, (Business) Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, Quantitative Analysis, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field. An excellent academic record is required, with results on average cum laude or higher. The candidate should have strong analytical skills, be comfortable working with large datasets and advanced statistical analyses, and have excellent English communication skills. The role also includes participation in the PhD program of the Faculty of Economics and Business, attendance at seminars and conferences, support for educational activities, and a clear ambition to publish in top international journals.

The position is a 4-year funded PhD with yearly evaluation, competitive salary, and benefits according to KU Leuven regulations for doctoral researchers. The intended start date is December 1, 2026, or as soon as possible. Applications should include a motivation letter, CV, official transcripts for bachelor’s and master’s studies, and an optional writing sample such as a thesis or scientific paper. For more information, applicants may contact the supervisor by email and should include the vacancy number in their message.