KU Leuven is inviting applications from highly qualified and motivated researchers for a fully funded PhD position focused on Environmental and circularity modelling methods for sustainable business models. The researcher will join the Sustainable Materials Management (SAM) team in the Department of Materials Engineering, collaborating within an interdisciplinary Flanders Make research project to advance circular economy practices for high-value mechatronic products.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate |
| Host Institution | KU Leuven |
| Research Unit | Department of Materials Engineering (SAM Team) / Flanders Make |
| Research Area | Circular Economy, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Sustainable Business Models |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium |
| Funding & Duration | Fully funded (1 year initial, extendable to 4 years) |
| Application Deadline | November 25, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Researcher (Doctoral Candidate leading to a PhD degree from the Arenberg Doctoral School at KU Leuven).
Research Area
Engineering Science, Materials Engineering, Circular Economy, Sustainable Business Models, Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCA), Stock-Flow Analysis, and Digital Product Passports (DPP).
Location
Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Scholarship Description
The research is integrated into the Flanders Make project entitled “New Sustainable Business Models for High-value Mechatronic Products enabled by Digital Product Passports”, promoted by Prof. Karel Van Acker. The primary objective is to create a robust methodology to evaluate the environmental impact and circularity of sustainable business models (e.g., servitization, remanufacturing, upgrading, and repair) for long-lived, high-value, connected mechatronic products.
Key responsibilities and project features include:
- Developing qualitative and quantitative assessment frameworks for companies and downstream value chain partners.
- Addressing data requirements based on conceptual circular economy data needs and interacting with Digital Product Passport (DPP) architectures.
- Collaborating closely with fellow researchers assessing economic viability, as well as partners from industry and policy institutions.
- Engaging in limited departmental educational tasks and doctoral training under the Arenberg Doctoral School.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Academic Degree: Master of Science in Engineering (Engineering Science or Bioscience Engineering), completed with at least cum laude honors.
- Technical Skills: Proven knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and programming/modelling in Python is mandatory.
- Domain Expertise: Background or specific expertise in sustainable business models, stock-flow models, or the manufacturing industry.
- Research Mindset: Strong interest in global sustainability challenges, a critical scientific mindset, and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English (written and spoken). An English language certificate (TOEFL or IELTS) is required for non-native speakers. Proficiency in Dutch is an asset.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should submit their application through the official KU Leuven online recruitment portal. Required application documents include:
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A motivation letter elaborating on relevant skills and research interests.
- Official academic transcripts of completed courses and acquired grades.
- An English proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL), if applicable.
For inquiries regarding project details, applicants may contact Prof. dr. Karel Van Acker via email at karel.vanacker@kuleuven.be.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is November 25, 2026 (23:59 CET). Early submission is strongly recommended as applications will be evaluated upon receipt and the position may close early if a suitable candidate is selected.
Apply Link
Interested candidates can read full details and submit their application through the KU Leuven Online Job Portal.
