PhD Scholarship in International Climate Governance in Brussels

For over 50 years, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has upheld values of freedom, equality, and solidarity, fostering a vibrant community of 4,000 employees in an international city. As part of its Brussels School of Governance, VUB’s Center of Environment, Economy, and Energy (3E Centre) is offering a PhD opportunity in international climate governance, contributing to a Horizon Europe project. The project aims to enhance polycentric cooperation under and beyond the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

Position Description:

The selected PhD candidate will:

• Work on a multidisciplinary project focused on international climate governance, with flexibility to adjust the research focus within the overall team’s goals.
• Prepare a PhD based on the project work, resulting in several academic articles forming the core of the dissertation.
• Collaborate with the 3E Centre’s research team, contributing to the project’s objectives on global climate governance beyond the UN frameworks.

The candidate will be based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Elsene.

Profile:

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international law, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research interest in international climate governance and related areas.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary research team.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in other European languages is considered an asset.
• Knowledge or interest in polycentric international/global climate governance will be a particular advantage.
• Candidates must not have served in a mandate as an assistant for more than 12 months, cumulatively, paid from operational resources.

VUB aims to reflect a diverse society, where talent is valued regardless of gender, age, religion, ethnicity, migration background, disability, or neurodiversity.

Offer:

• A full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon successful evaluation of PhD activities.
• Starting date: 1 January 2025.
• A grant linked to government scales.
• Flexible working environment with extensive telework options, including a telework allowance or internet fee.
• 35 days of leave per year, along with additional holidays and campus closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Full reimbursement of public transport for commuting, or compensation for cycling.
• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance.
• Campus facilities for sport and exercise, attractive restaurant pricing, and a range of discounts via Benefits@Work.
• Affordable childcare options near campus and discounts on holiday camps.
• Continuous learning opportunities through VUB’s learning platforms and training courses.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should apply by 15 October 2024 through jobs.vub.be. Applications should be submitted in one PDF file and include:

• Motivation letter.
• Full CV (including a list of publications, if any).
• Contact details of two references.
• Diploma or certificate (not required for VUB alumni).
• One recent academic writing sample.

The PhD position is contingent upon successful enrolment as a doctorate student at VUB. The candidate can start on 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

For further inquiries about the position, contact Sebastian Oberthür at Sebastian.oberthuer@vub.be or by phone at +32 2 614 80 01.

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