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.
Learn more about VUB’s strategic goals, campuses, benefits, and its role in the EUTOPIA alliance by visiting the website.