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.

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