Doctor-Assistant in Work and Organisation Studies (WOS) – KU Leuven

Academic Opportunity: Doctor-Assistant in Work and Organisation Studies (WOS) – KU Leuven

• Institution: KU Leuven

• Faculty: Faculty of Economics and Business

• Research Unit: Work and Organisation Studies (WOS)

• Reference Number: AAP-2026-230

• Position: Doctor-Assistant – Work and Organisation Studies

• Primary Specialization: Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) in SMEs

• Appointment Type: Part-Time, Fixed-Term Academic Appointment

• Employment Percentage: 60%

• Appointment Period: November 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027

• Salary / Remuneration: KU Leuven salary scale 44; exact amount not stated in the vacancy

• Primary Workplace: Leuven Campus, Belgium

• Teaching Locations: Brussels and Antwerp campuses

• Application Deadline: October 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM CET

Overview of the Role

The Work and Organisation Studies (WOS) research unit at KU Leuven invites applications for a Doctor-Assistant position with a particular research focus on Strategic Human Resource Management in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

WOS is an interdisciplinary research group comprising approximately 50 researchers across Leuven, Antwerp, and Brussels. Its research spans areas including Human Resource Management, leadership and organisational behaviour, quality of work, careers and employability, corporate social responsibility, and organisations in society.

Research Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Develop an independent research line related to Strategic HRM in SMEs.

• Conduct internationally oriented academic research.

• Work toward publication in international scholarly outlets.

• Contribute to fundamental research.

• Support the practical valorisation and broader application of research findings.

• Contribute to the wider research activities of the WOS unit.

Teaching Responsibilities

The appointee will teach:

• Strategic HRM at the Brussels Campus.

• Personnel and Organisation at the Antwerp Campus.

Teaching experience is considered an advantage.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

Applicants should:

• Hold a Ph.D. in the Humanities or Social Sciences, such as:

  • Applied Economics

  • Psychology

  • Sociology

  • Educational Sciences

  • Related field

• Candidates expecting to defend their Ph.D. in the very near future may also apply.

• Have research experience in areas connected to the WOS research priorities.

• Demonstrate scholarly output through, for example:

  • Conference presentations

  • Academic journal publications

• Possess strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.

• Demonstrate strong academic writing ability.

• Have very good written and spoken English and Dutch.

• Be collegial, proactive, autonomous, and strongly interested in scientific research.

Research Environment

The WOS research unit brings together scholars from backgrounds including:

• Management

• Economics

• Psychology

• Sociology

• History

Its principal research themes include:

• Human Resource Management

• Leadership and Organisational Behaviour

• Quality of Work

• Careers and Employability

• Corporate Social Responsibility

• Organisations and Society

Appointment Details

• Employment Percentage: 60%

• Contract Period: November 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027

• Salary Scale: 44

• Primary Workplace: Leuven Campus

• Teaching Activities: Brussels and Antwerp campuses

• Position Type: Doctor-Assistant

Application Process

• Application Deadline: October 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM CET

• Application Link: http://www.kuleuven.be/esolliciteren/light/60766343

• Contact: Prof. Dr. Sophie De Winne

• Email: sophie.dewinne@kuleuven.be

• Reference: AAP-2026-230

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