3 PhD Research Positions: Earth and Environmental Sciences 1434 views

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (Prof. dr. Ir. M. Maertens & Prof. dr. Ir. B. Muys) and the Centre for Global Governance Studies (Dr. A. Marx) at KU Leuven is inviting applications for three full time Doctoral researchers in the field of Agricultural Economics to Collaborate in the Project ‘Voluntary Sustainability Standards as a Governance Mechanism for Sustainable Global Food and Wood Systems (VSS4F/WOOD)’.

About the project:

• This project aims at evaluating the contribution of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) to sustainability in global food and wood systems, and at providing conclusive evidence and concrete insights on the effectiveness of VSS in creating positive sustainability effects.
• The project aims at informing standard-setting, -certification and -auditing organisations; food and wood companies; civil society organizations; and consumers about the sustainability implications of VSS and at improving the design and governance of VSS for more effective sustainability contributions.

Research areas:

• Agricultural Economics
• Development Economics
• Economics
• Bio-science Engineering
• Bio-economics

Requirements:

• Applicant must hold an EU MSc degree in Bio-science Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Natural Resources Economics or another relevant field of Applied Economics or Bio-science Engineering with excellent study results (you have obtained at least a distinction or graduated cum laude) – or an equivalent degree of higher education.
• Applicant must have have a keen interest in scientific research on global food systems, sustainability and economic development, and more generally in the research topics of the Division of Bio-economics.
• Applicant must possess proficiency in English; and knowledge of Dutch might be an advantage
• Applicant must have (starter) skills in statistical, econometric and quantitative data analysis and (some) experience with statistical packages; and are keen on developing these skills further.
• Applicant having experience with field research in a developing country and/or your experience with conducting surveys might be an advantage

How to apply:

• Apply online