Summary
The Data Analytics Lab within the Department of Business Technology and Operations at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is inviting applications for a full-time PhD student position supported by a doctoral grant. The doctoral researcher will investigate the intersection of Large Language Models (LLMs), automated science, and innovation.
PhD Position: Large Language Models, Innovation, and Science at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Belgium
Designation
- Position Title: PhD Student / Doctoral Grant Holder
- Department: Department of Business Technology and Operations (Data Analytics Lab)
- Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Host Institution | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
| Position Category | PhD / Doctoral Scholarship |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation, with potential further extension) |
| Planned Start Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Working Hours | Full-Time |
| Location | Elsene Campus, Brussels, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Contact Person | Andres Algaba (Andres.Algaba@vub.be) |
Research Area
The research focuses on the interaction between Large Language Models (LLMs), automated science, and innovation. Key research avenues include:
- How scientific choices (methodologies, citations, references) differ between LLMs and human scientists.
- How to evaluate and measure LLM capabilities in economically and scientifically relevant tasks.
- Methods to detect when LLMs engage in deceptive behavior or attempt to cheat.
Location
- Campus: Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene)
- City: Brussels, Belgium
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Degree: Master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Commercial Engineering, or (Applied) Economics.
- Languages: Excellent knowledge of both Dutch and English.
- Skills & Experience:
- Enthusiastic about teaching and motivated to conduct research.
- Experience with Python programming is considered a strong plus.
- Prior Service Restriction: Must not have performed work as an assistant paid from operating resources for a cumulative period exceeding 12 months.
- Residency / Permits: Must meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB and comply with VUB residence requirements (open to both EEA and non-EEA nationals).
- Enrollment: Scholarship assignment is subject to official enrolment as a PhD student at VUB.
Job Description
- Research: Conduct research aimed at completing and defending a doctoral thesis in the specified research domain.
- Teaching Duties: Guide exercise sessions for undergraduate/graduate courses including:
- Business Informatics
- Business Information Systems
- Departmental Support: Contribute to the daily administrative and operational functioning of the department.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the VUB Job Portal.
Required Documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Copy of Master’s Diploma (not required for VUB alumni)
Last Date for Apply
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
