Doctoral researcher on research integrity
The Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law at KU Leuven is seeking a doctoral researcher to join its interdisciplinary team and conduct research on research integrity. The Centre, part of the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, analyzes ethical, legal, and societal questions in biomedicine and healthcare, collaborating with KU Leuven, UZ Leuven, and external partners including healthcare providers, patient organizations, and governmental representatives at various levels.
This PhD project investigates the institutionalisation of research integrity, examining how mandatory training, revised hiring criteria, and research integrity officers have shifted ethical responsibility towards compliance with rules and regulations. The research will explore whether this compliance model is beneficial for integrity development and science, and will analyze the limitations of corporate-style approaches in preventing malpractice. The project aims to develop a nuanced model for research integrity and draw normative conclusions for science policy, addressing unintended consequences such as increased administrative workload and ambivalent attitudes towards integrity.
The successful candidate will conduct literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative surveys, and participate in the design, setup, and execution of the research. The position is intended to lead to a doctoral degree (PhD) and involves reporting results in scientific publications, collaborating with other PhD candidates and colleagues, and contributing to collective activities such as educational services, lab meetings, and research proposals. The candidate will also co-supervise master's students and follow the "Patient-related and Public Health Research" program of the Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences.
Applicants must hold a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Theology, Bioethics, Medicine, Economy, Social Sciences, Psychology, or another relevant discipline. Strong organizational skills, independence, and excellent social and written communication skills in English are required; Dutch language skills are a substantial asset. Experience with social scientific methods, particularly qualitative methods, is essential. Candidates must not have previously worked as a doctoral grantee and should be enthusiastic, dynamic, flexible, and open to challenges. Teaching skills and the ability to coach and motivate others are desirable.
The supervisory team includes Professors Luc Van Liedekerke (KU Leuven and UAntwerpen), Hugh Desmond (Wageningen UR), and Kris Dierickx (KU Leuven). The position offers a full-time contract for one year, extendable annually up to four years after positive evaluation. The research will be conducted at the Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, with a start date to be determined in consultation with the candidate, but no later than 1 December 2026.
KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering an environment of open dialogue and respect. For accessibility or support questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the provided email address.
Interested candidates should apply online via the KU Leuven job portal and may contact Prof. dr. Kris Dierickx for further information. The application deadline is 31 July 2026.
