LEER is a research and education center of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the KU Leuven. We aim for independent state-of-the-art academic research on educational issues with economic tools (see www.feb.kuleuven.be/leer).
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Project
High-quality education is a key driver of economic growth and social progress. Despite large investments in education over the past few decades, the quality of education in some EU countries has stagnated or even deteriorated. Marginalized populations are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences arising from inadequate educational policies. Understanding the efficiency and (cost-)effectiveness of investment in quality education is crucial for allocating resources to where they could have the largest economic and social impacts.
Thanks to a four years PhD scholarship, you will focus on providing evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the quality of education. The recommendations will be grounded in sound academic research, stemming from randomized controlled trials that you run within the LEER-team at Flemish schools.
In particular, you will focus on identifying the cost-effectiveness of targeted interventions to stimulate education outcomes and equity. For example, in a series of experiments, you analyse how the transition from secondary to higher education can be improved.
The PhD research is part of a wider Horizon Europe project BRIDGE that is coordinated by Prof. Kristof De Witte.
Profile
The Research Center ‘Leuven Economics of Education Research’ (KU Leuven) is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated junior scholar to conduct a PhD in education economics. The candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Important and binding eligibility condition to apply and to start the PhD in economics at KU Leuven: By September 2025, you hold a one or two year advanced research master in economics that consists of advanced courses (comparable to the ‘Master of Science in Advanced Studies in Economics’ degree from KU Leuven; or the ‘Master of Research in Economics’ at European University Institute).
- Having at least ‘cum laude’ (honors) during your initial master years (preferably also during your advanced research master).
- You have strong skills in statistical, econometric and quantitative data analysis and experience with statistical packages; and are keen on developing these skills further.
- Enthusiastic and motivated to do research.
- You are proficient in English; your knowledge of Dutch language might be an advantage.
- You have very good scientific writing skills.
- You are a team player that is able to work independently.
- Successful candidates are required to enter the PhD program in economics of the Faculty of Economics and Business of KU Leuven (see http://feb.kuleuven.be/phd-economics).
Offer
- Our internationally renowned doctoral program in economics is an individualized PhD training that consists of four years of full-time study. It eventually leads to a PhD degree and prepares the student for an academic career or a career as a researcher in a policy institution.
- The candidate is expected to prepare a PhD at the LEER research group under the supervision of Professor Kristof De Witte. You will join a dynamic and internationally oriented research environment (www.feb.kuleuven.be/LEER) that focusses on education economics.
- We offer a competitive full-time PhD scholarship. The position is for 4 years, conditional upon a positive evaluation after 1 year.
- We offer additional benefits in terms of health insurance, reduced public transport prices, free bicycle use, access to university sports facilities, …
- KU Leuven offers opportunities to follow academic, skills and career training courses.
- Working in an attractive international environment.
- You are expected to participate in seminars and will occasionally be involved in teaching activities including supervision of exams.
- Start date – September 1, 2025, but there is some flexibility to start at a different moment in time.
- Once the PhD study is completed, you receive a PhD in Economics.
Interested?
To apply for the position, please prepare the following documents:
• A curriculum vitae
• An overview of your study results (certified copies of diplomas and transcripts).
• A letter of motivation (max. 500 words).
• A research proposal with at least three topics you would like to study (max. 500 words).
For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Kristof De Witte, Professor at KU Leuven – www.feb.kuleuven.be/kristof.dewitte - email: [email protected]. Also see www.feb.kuleuven.be/leer.
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