项目介绍

2026年5月25日

The Department of Architecture is part of the Science and Technology Group at KU Leuven and coordinates the research on (interior) architecture, urbanism and spatial planning at the Faculty of Architecture (Brussels and Gent) and the Faculty of Engineering (Leuven). The Department enjoys an international reputation and currently has more than 150 (international) PhD students.

This doctoral scholarship is part of the broader research project “New mobility opportunities in urban sprawl” in collaboration with prof dr Chis Tampère. The current vacancy is embedded in an inter-faculty research consortium based at the KU Leuven Faculty of Architecture (Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent and Campus Sint-Lucas Brussels) and the KU Leuven Faculty of Engineering Science (Campus Leuven). The project is co-led by Prof. dr Chris Tampère, prof dr Maarten Gheysen and dr Jeroen Verstraete, and connects to ongoing research lines that interrogate the intricate relationships between mobility, automated mobility services and urban sprawl.

Unit website

Project

This project explores through design-based research on an ensemble of scenarios how we can apply synergetic changes in urban form that, together with emerging mobility trends like automated mobility services (AMS) and the renaissance of active modes like walking, the (e-)bicycle and other light electric vehicles (LEV), create conditions in Flanders’ urban sprawl that can support households in adopting a structurally more sustainable mobility lifestyle. Given plausible assumptions on capabilities of automated vehicles (e.g. respecting their operational design domain) and the service models in which they might be deployed (Mobility as a Service, privately leased, shared car, ride-hailing, ride-pooling, shuttle service), such design exercise looks for synergetic balance between spatial and transport infrastructure and service design. These exploration will be the scientific input to societal debate on how the bike and automatic vehicles can render the Flemish urban sprawl more sustainable. 
To do so, one post-doctoral researcher and two doctoral research tracks will collaborate by embracing parallel perspectives. Complementary to a modelling and mobility focus (not encompassed in this position), this vacancy seeks a doctoral candidate to employ design based explorative methods that work deductively at the territorial scale and community scale in a set of scenarios based on and in dialogue with the modelling developed in the parallel PhD. Both doctoral research tracks will mutually inform one another. 
In line with carrying out the research project in close collaboration with your supervisors, your job will consist of: 

• Following the doctoral training program at the Arenberg Doctoral School; 
• Making a clearly defined contribution to teaching, including thesis guidance, and course assistance; 
• Publishing your research in academic journals and books, presenting at international seminars and conferences, while aiming to disseminate your work also on non-academic platforms; 
• Engaging in general services for the Department of Architecture (including for example surveillance of exams, assisting the organization of events, etc.); 
• Organizing activities related to your research topic (e.g. international research meetings, conferences, exhibitions). 

Profile

We are looking for an outstanding candidate who is passionate about architecture, urbanism, urban planning, and urban studies, and with a particular interest in model driven scenario thinking. The candidate: 

• Holds a diploma in the field of architecture, engineering-architecture, urban studies, urban planning, or equivalent; 
• Obtained a Master degree in one of the above or related domains, and at least distinguished from other fellow students with excellent academic results and/or recognition of excellence through awards, publications, or other achievements; 
• Preferably has interdisciplinary experience and sensitivity for topics related to prawl and mobility; 
• Meets the requirements to begin the doctoral training and engages to complete a PhD within a broader research consortium; 
• Is interested in scientific research and driven to publish and co-publish in relevant international scholarly journals; 
• Is a good communicator and enjoys working in a team, including regular presence on campus; 
• Is eager to work proactively, with a high level of autonomy and against tight deadlines; 
• Is able to show proof of excellent writing and communication in English or committed to significantly expand language skills; 
• Graphic and visual skills in drawing and mapping are an asset. 
• Is willing to move to Belgium for the duration of the position.

Offer

We offer an appointment as a full-time PhD researcher. You will be appointed for the duration of 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 4 years in total (depending on positive interim evaluations). The net amount of a PhD scholarship is equal to 100% of the salary of a member of junior academic staff with the same qualifications, age and family status (net wage scale 43). You will be based at the Faculty of Architecture, campus Sint-Lucas Ghent and Brussels, while frequently attending courses and meetings at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, campus Heverlee/Leuven. KU Leuven opts for hybrid working, whereby a combination of on campus and working from home is possible. Other benefits include: eco vouchers, end of year bonus and holiday pay (for scholarship holders subject to full social security), hospital insurance and reimbursement of commuting costs. 
The starting date of the position is envisioned in the September/October/November 2026, or on the earliest alternative date agreed on together. 
Within this position, you will be part of KU Leuven, a university where 13,000 colleagues together make top-level teaching and research possible. This includes an exciting work environment that offers opportunities to build your experience and develop your skills. In addition, various initiatives are taken, locally and centrally, to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of colleagues in this work environment. The Department of Architecture (www.architecture.kuleuven.be) is part of the Science and Technology Group at KU Leuven and coordinates the research on (interior) architecture, urbanism and spatial planning at the Faculty of Architecture (Brussels and Gent) and the Faculty of Engineering (Leuven). The Department enjoys an international reputation and currently counts more than 150 (international) PhD students.  

Scale 43
Working conditions

Interested?

For more information, please contact prof. Maarten Gheysen (maarten.gheysen@kuleuven.be).

Candidates are invited to apply online before 1 July 2026 at 12.00 am CET. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the second week of July (6-11). 

Please include in your application file (in English): 

• a cover letter with a clear motivation (1 page max); 
• A CV; 
• A portfolio and/or sample of relevant research work (a paper, article, book chapter, thesis, …); 
• The names, function and contact information of two referees whom we might contact during the selection process. 

You can apply for this job no later than July 01, 2026 via the online application tool