PhD Researcher: Access to the Labour Market for Precarious Profiles KU Leuven in Belgium

PhD opportunity at KU Leuven on precarious labour market profiles and pathways to employment

The Research Centre for Work (Steunpunt Werk) within the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven is recruiting a PhD researcher for a four-year, policy-oriented doctoral project. The project examines precarious labour market profiles and their distance from the labour market, employment opportunities, and career pathways. It may also investigate how social benefits facilitate or hinder transitions into and out of employment, and how local governments and policy interventions can support vulnerable groups.

The research will be embedded in Steunpunt Werk, a centre focused on labour market monitoring, forecasting, analysis, and policy advice for Flanders. The doctoral researcher will also be connected to the Work and Organisation Studies research group and ReSPOND in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The position offers a strong combination of academic research and real-world policy relevance, with opportunities to contribute to international debates on labour economics, public economics, welfare economics, and economic sociology.

The project is especially relevant for research on homemakers, single-parent households, newcomers and migrants, social assistance beneficiaries, persons with disabilities or long-term work incapacity, individuals at risk of losing unemployment benefits, and other vulnerable labour market groups. A key aim is to translate empirical findings into actionable policy insights for Flemish labour market policy and beyond.

Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree, preferably in Economics, Sociology, or a related discipline, and must have achieved at least cum laude. Strong quantitative, econometric, and statistical skills are required, along with experience using statistical software. The successful candidate must be fluent in Dutch and have a good command of English. Excellent academic writing, independence, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines are also expected. Enrollment in the PhD programme in (Applied) Economics at KU Leuven is mandatory.

The position includes a competitive full-time PhD scholarship for four years, subject to positive evaluation after the first year, plus benefits such as health insurance, public transport discounts, free bicycle use, sports facilities, and career development training. Preferred start date: as soon as possible. Application deadline: 2026-10-05.

For more information, contact Prof. Sarah Vansteenkiste at [email protected] or Prof. Dr. Wim Van Lancker at [email protected].