PhD on Decarbonization and Finance
Job Information (2 positions offered)
The PhD researcher(s) will be situated within the Centre for Economic and Social Studies on the Environment and the Centre for European Research in Microfinance at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and Cosmopolis Centre for Urban Research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). You will be supervised by Prof. Marek Hudon (ULB) and Prof. David Bassens (VUB) and will collaborate closely with a postdoctoral researcher and one other PhD researcher on the theme of Decarbonization and Finance, researching financial pathways for decarbonization, developing policy tools, and support critical debate on these matters. You are embedded in SWIFFT, an interdisciplinary collective focusing on decarbonization challenges, consisting of 8 principal investigators, 4 postdocs, and 8 PhD researchers.
- Type of contract
- Salary
- Starting date
- Application Deadline
- PhD Researcher with a doctoral grant - full time
- In line with the official university’s scales
- September 2025 - Flexible
- June 1st, 2025 (the position may be filled earlier if needed)
Offer Description
The ULB-VUB Urban Socio-Environmental Transformations Research HUB at USQUARE campus is seeking 2 highly motivated PhD researchers to support a transdisciplinary research project on decarbonization and finance. The successful candidates will work closely with the principal investigators Prof. Marek Hudon and Prof. David Bassens contributing to research on financial strategies for sustainable transitions. This research aims to identify funding gaps, analyse existing financial instruments, and explore innovative financial models that can support decarbonization efforts in Belgium and beyond.
The primary purpose of the position is to develop PhD research on the theme of Decarbonization and Finance. We are interested in attracting candidates who are sensitive to the institutional diversity of finance and to the current policy frameworks. We are open to various proposals, but the candidate will mobilize qualitative and/or quantitative research methods to empirically examine financial processes that hinder or hopefully enable rapid decarbonization. Key questions pertain to the funding of various types of projects aiming at sustainability, conceptualization of ‘value’ and ‘risk’ in and across such institutions, their embeddedness in geographical contexts, the organizational and governance related challenges of non-mainstream organization, and the also the socio-spatial justice implications of various financing models and instruments. We are also open to critical analysis of mainstream private finance, and in the ongoing potential of public institutions as well as community-led financial organizations.
You will also assist in the wider activities of the Decarbonization and Finance team by supporting quantitative and/or qualitative financial data collection and analysis, engaging with key stakeholders, publishing research findings in academic outlets, and contributing to the development of policy-relevant insights. The role offers an exciting opportunity to be embedded in a dynamic research hub where finance for the common good is a central theme, working alongside experts in finance, governance, and environmental policy.
Requirements
- Educational Level
- Research Field
- A master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Economics / Management/ Finance, Environmental Policy, Geography, Urban Studies, or related fields).
- Strong interest in finance, sustainability, and governance.
Skills and Qualifications
- Experience with qualitative and (or) quantitative research methods.
- Analytical skills and the ability to work with financial datasets.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in English (French and/or Dutch is a plus).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
What We Offer
- A fully funded PhD position. Contracts are 1 year, but renewable for up to 4 years, depending on the approval of PhD progress reports.
- The opportunity to contribute to innovative transdisciplinary research at the intersection of finance, policy, and sustainability.
- A pleasant and friendly working environment within institutions with strong societal values.
- A dynamic work environment on a green and easily accessible university campus: USQUARE.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and participation in international conferences.
Equal Opportunities Policy
ULB’s and VUB’s personnel management policy is focused on diversity and equal opportunities. We recruit candidates based on their skills, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, origin, nationality, beliefs, or disability.
Where to apply?
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A motivation letter detailing your research interests and relevant experience (2 pages max).
- A CV, including details of relevant coursework and research experience.
- A vision on the PhD research project and its connections to the wider Decarbonization and finance focus of SWIFFT (1-2 pages max, references included)
- A publication or report in English that you substantially contributed to (e.g. master’s thesis)
- Contact details of at least one academic reference.
Please upload the documents in the following format: SURNAME-NAME_NameOfTheDocument.pdf
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For inquiries and applications, please contact Prof. Marek Hudon marek.hudon@ulb.be and/or Prof. David Bassens david.bassens@vub.be