Our GreenDeal-NET partner, the Centre for Environment, Economy and Energy (C3E) at the Brussels School of Governance is inviting applications for one full-time doctoral researcher in the field of the European Green Deal, the EU’s growth strategy towards a sustainable and competitive society. Prospective PhD candidates are hereby invited to submit project proposals exploring the environment-economy-energy interlinkages in the framework of EU-level policies. Of particular interest are the research themes of Greening Public Investments, Sustainability and Trade Governance, as well as Global Value Chains, but proposals on other topics within the overall theme are also welcomed. The deadline for submitting applications is 30 April 2023.
Research theme 1: Greening public investments
Greening public investment entails the directing of public funds towards projects and initiatives that promote sustainability and reduce negative environmental impacts. This includes the incorporation of environmental considerations into public procurement processes, for example by considering the lifecycle carbon emissions of products in the applicable selection or award criteria. By prioritizing sustainable solutions, greening public investment can help spur innovation in mitigating climate change and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future. Additionally, it is hoped that the public sector example in green investments will encourage private sector companies to adopt similar sustainable practices, leading to a wide uptake of environmentally-friendly solutions. We particularly encourage research projects that critically assess the applications and/or effectiveness of green public procurement within the EU, while other fields of enquiry involving green public investments are also welcomed.
Research theme 2: Sustainability and trade governance
Sustainability and trade are closely interconnected, as global trade patterns significantly impact the environment and the usage of natural resources. Against the backdrop of the WTO current "standstill" at the multilateral level, several countries are adapting their industrial policies towards a more strategically autonomous approach. Other proposed means to ensure that trade and sustainability objectives are mutually supportive include the integration of environmental considerations into pluri- and bilateral trade agreements, and the fostering of a dialogue between trade and environmental policy-makers. It is not clear, however, to what extent these approaches will result in a negative or a positive impact on the environment and on sustainability overall.
Research theme 3: Global value chains
Global value chains refer to the interconnected network of activities, actors, and locations involved in the production and distribution of goods and services across international borders. These value chains can have a significant impact on the environment, as well as on social and economic conditions in different regions and countries. The EU recognizes the multifaceted importance of the value chains and is taking steps to steer sustainability both within and through them. The EU aims to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns by integrating stringent environmental, social, and labour standards into its value chains. The integration transcends into private contractual arrangements as well as trade agreements, encouraging the trading partners to adopt them. Additionally, the EU has worked to increase the transparency and accountability in global value chains by promoting responsible sourcing and responsible business practices as well as digital technologies (such as digital ledgers and passports). Through these initiatives, the EU proclaims to ensure that its trade and investment policies support sustainable development and contribute to a more equitable and environmentally friendly global economy.
Profile
The successful candidate is required to:
- Hold a Master’s degree in (applied) economics, political science, law, public policy, and social or environmental sciences, with excellent study results.
- Be fluent and have excellent communication skills in English. Knowledge of other European languages is an asset
- Have a thorough knowledge of the relevant academic literature.
- Think analytically and have good academic writing skills.
- Have experience in interdisciplinary research combining law and/or political science and/or economics (applied), political economy or public choice.
- Be flexible, self-motivated and determined.
- Be able to work independently, with good self-management and planning skills.
Offer
The selected candidate will be employed as a full-time doctoral researcher at the VUB. For more information about facilities and benefits of employment at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, please visit www.vub.be under the heading ‘Working for the VUB’).
Contract: full-time research grant for one year, renewable on an annual basis for a maximum of four years. Extension of the contract is subject to the agreement of the doctoral committee. Remuneration is at the level of a full-time research assistant at a Flemish university (i.e. approximately € 2.400 net per month) and includes contributions for social security. Secondary employment is not allowed.
Successful candidates are expected to work at the VUB premises in Brussels. Office space and equipment will be provided along with a budget for travelling and other research-related expenses.
IMPORTANT: The effective award of the doctoral scholarship is subject to your successful enrolment as a doctorate student at the university.
At VUB, you are guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career.
As well as this, you will enjoy various benefits:
- Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB policy, or compensation if you come by bike;
- Cost-free hospitalisation insurance;
- The space to form your job content and continuously learn via VUB LRN;
- Excellent facilities for sport and exercise;
- Ecocheques;
- Delicious meals at attractive prices in our campus restaurants;
- An open, family-friendly work environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a full-time contract).
Office space and equipment will be provided along with a budget for travelling and other research-related expenses.
How to apply
The PhD candidate will be selected on the basis of the quality of the project proposal, her/his expertise, work experience and academic qualifications. The following application documents are to be consolidated into a single PDF file sent by email to jobs_bsog@vub.be (subject heading: ‘European Green Deal PhD call’).
- A one-page motivation letter explaining the candidate’s interest in pursuing a PhD on the research topic
- A curriculum vitae listing all academic qualifications, relevant research experience and previous publications (if any)
- A project proposal featuring a literature review and problem statement, a research question and proposed hypotheses/assumptions, a methodological outline and an indicative work plan, condensed into no more than 3000 words
- A copy of the highest-obtained diploma and transcript of academic grades
- A copy of a publication (master thesis, academic report or a paper from a university class)
- Candidates must also provide the names and contact details (email address and phone number) of two referees.
The deadline for applications is 30 April 2023. Short-listed candidates will be informed by early June and interviews with the highest-ranked candidates are expected to take place in the weeks thereafter. The successful candidate can start as of 1 October or as soon as possible thereafter.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates cannot have performed any work in the execution of a mandate as an assistant at VUB, paid from operating resources, over a total (cumulated) period of more than 12 months.
Further information
For more information please visit the 3E Centre page.
For further enquiries, please contact prof dr Sven Van Kerckhoven (sven.van.kerckhoven@vub.be) and/or prof dr Harri Kalimo (harri.kalimo@vub.be).