PhD Scholarship: BioReceptive Wood (Bio+W)

We offer an appointment as a full-time PhD researcher (Scholarship on a FWO research project, net wage equals net wage scale 43). You will be appointed for the duration of 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 4 years in total (depending on positive interim evaluations, and a research submission to at least one external funding agency). You will be based at the Faculty of Architecture, campus Sint-Lucas Ghent, and possibly campus Sint-Lucas Brussels. KU Leuven opts for hybrid working, whereby a combination of on campus and working from home is possible. Other benefits include: eco vouchers, end of year bonus and holiday pay (for scholarship holders subject to full social security), hospital insurance, reimbursement of commuting costs...

The starting date of the position is envisioned in September 2024.  

Within this position, you will be part of KU Leuven, a university where 13,000 colleagues together make top-level teaching and research possible. This includes an exciting work environment that offers opportunities to build your experience and develop your skills. In addition, various initiatives are taken, locally and centrally, to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of colleagues in this work environment. 

Bio+W requires an outstanding candidate who is passionate about regenerative architecture, urbanism, biodesign, craftsmanship, biodiversity, and driven by a commitment to ecological and social justice and active engagement through fieldwork and collaboration. You might be an ideal candidate if you: 

• have obtained a masters degree with proof of a design skills in woodwork and other making crafts via a portfolio that demonstrates a design-led research attitude in architecture, arts, design, or related topics; 

• are a high achiever during your studies, academic career or professional life, which is demonstrated by distinctions, achievement, awards, or endorsements; 

• have excellent English writing skills, and desk top publishing graphic/visual skills that are demonstrated in a published article, book chapter, masters thesis, or portfolio. N.B. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a drawing and writing test before final selection; 

• have relevant or promising provisional experience in (design-led or artistic) research; 

• are able to publicly present your work and engage in discussions with peers and participants; 

• participate in international debates on regenerative architecture, craftsmanship, design and nature-based projects; 

• are proactive, and enjoy taking an initiative using a strategic, rigorous, iterative and experimental approach in your investigations;  

• work with a high level of autonomy and can function (occasionally) under pressure; 

• work well as an individual but are also a good team-player and collaborator; 

• have an excellent command of spoken English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset, but is not a fundamental requirement. (Other language skills relevant to the research are a plus.) 

• are willing to move to Belgium for the duration of the position.  

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Rachel Armstrong, tel.: +32 2 308 27 56, mail: rachel.armstrong@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Evita Piscador, tel.: +32 2 250 11 44, mail: evita.piscador@kuleuven.be.Candidates are invited to apply online no later than March 1, 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be sent a written and draw... For more information see https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60289853