PhD position in Urbanism Department of Architecture

Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture, UULP section

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture, UULP section Research Field Architecture » Design Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 16 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-18 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

This PhD position forms part of a new interdisciplinary FWO research project at KU Leuven and Ghent University. A team of researchers trained in urbanism and political anthropology will generate original scientific data through collaborative multi‑sited fieldwork in secondary cities in both DRCongo and Flanders, involving both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The team will investigate the transnational mobility and re‑configuration of conflict narratives and social tensions that emerge from the protracted civil war in Eastern DRC, and its impact on urban settlement patterns and home‑making practices (with specific focus on the role of women) in the Congolese diaspora in Flanders.

Ultimately, the project will deliver a novel transnational epistemological and analytical framework and empirically grounded theory‑formation on the re‑configuration of urban spaces through the de‑ and re‑territorialisation of violent conflict dynamics within transnational fields.

We are looking for a candidate with:

• An excellent Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning (or a related discipline) with a demonstrable research interest in transnational urbanism, home‑making in displacement, displacement urbanism. Affinity with migration studies and gender studies is an added value;
• A strong commitment to working within an interdisciplinary team;
• Ability to formulate sharp research questions, develop studies and deliver valuable results;
• A high level of proficiency in English and French, both spoken and written. Knowledge of local languages of Eastern DRC is highly welcomed;
• Regional knowledge of Eastern DRC and/or the Congolese diaspora in Belgium is recommended;
• Key technical skills for developing maps, including experience with platforms such as ArcGIS or QGIS, and software like AutoCAD and Adobe Suite;
• Web development knowledge (such as HTML 5 or Java) for front‑end integration and data visualization is an added value.

All candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their Master’s thesis and/or any other relevant English writing sample. Short‑listed candidates will be asked to fulfil concise assignments to test their language proficiency and the technical competencies listed above.

Funding for a full‑time, four‑year PhD scholarship is available immediately. The research will be carried out at the Department of Architecture of KU Leuven in Heverlee (Leuven) with fieldwork planned in Flanders and Eastern DRC.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status.