PhD Position in Riverine Carbon Dynamics and Fluxes in the Congo Basin at KU Leuven KU Leuven in Belgium

KU Leuven is offering a PhD position focused on riverine carbon dynamics and fluxes in the Congo Basin, with a particular emphasis on the role of the Congo River and Cuvette Centrale peatlands in the global carbon cycle. The successful candidate will join the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, a dynamic team of 38 professors and approximately 240 researchers, working on geo- and ecosystem functioning, human-environment interactions, and sustainable management of natural resources.

The project involves analyzing organic matter transport, processing, and greenhouse gas fluxes by combining long-term monitoring data with new field sampling campaigns. The research will be conducted in collaboration with local partners, especially the Université de Kisangani, and will require organizing logistics for river sampling, conducting field campaigns in the Congo Basin, and analyzing samples in Belgium for carbon pools, stable isotopes, and nutrients. The candidate will also have opportunities to disseminate results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, contribute to teaching and MSc supervision, and define their own research contributions.

Applicants should have an MSc degree with distinction in Biosciences, Water Resources Engineering, Earth or Environmental Sciences, or Hydrology. Strong interdisciplinary interest, teamwork skills, and excellent English proficiency are required, while French is an asset for fieldwork. Experience in field sampling and/or laboratory analytical work is preferred, and candidates must be willing to work intensively in the Congo Basin.

The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship for one year, renewable up to four years, with a doctoral salary according to KU Leuven scale. Additional benefits include health insurance, public transport discounts, free bicycle use, sports facilities, childcare, and academic and career training opportunities. The expected start date is August 2026, and the application deadline is April 3, 2026. For more information or to apply, visit the KU Leuven job portal or contact Prof. dr. ir. Steven Bouillon at [email protected].