You will join the dynamic and inspiring Department of Work and Organisation Studies (WOS), an interdisciplinary research group of approximately 50 researchers who study the world of work from diverse scientific perspectives. WOS conducts internationally recognized research on topics such as the role of organizations in society, careers and sustainable employability, well-being and quality of work, HRM, leadership and organizational behavior. As a researcher, you will work in a stimulating academic environment where collaboration, scientific excellence, and societal impact are central. The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has campuses in Leuven, Antwerp, Brussels and Kortrijk. Together, these vibrant cities form a unique research environment in the heart of Europe. This PhD position is linked to our Leuven and Antwerp campuses. KU Leuven ranks among Europe’s leading research universities and is globally recognized for its scientific impact and innovative strength. The university has repeatedly been named one of Europe’s most innovative universities and offers researchers an excellent environment in which to further develop their academic careers. More information can be found on the WOS website:
Website unit
Project
Organizing care in times of growing inequality and social polarization:
Healthcare systems are increasingly confronted with the consequences of widening social and economic inequalities. While access to healthcare is often presented as universal, profound disparities persist in health outcomes, access to services, quality of care, and the ability to navigate healthcare systems. These inequalities are not merely external pressures on healthcare organizations; they are often intertwined with the ways healthcare systems are designed, governed, financed, and managed.
At the same time, growing social polarization and the retrenchment of welfare provisions have intensified vulnerabilities among individuals and communities, raising critical questions about whose needs are prioritized, whose voices are heard, and what forms of care are valued. Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need to rethink how healthcare is organized and how more equitable, inclusive, and caring systems can be created.
This PhD project examines healthcare from a systems perspective, focusing on the relationships between organizational structures, social inequalities, and the provision of care. The project seeks to understand how current ways of organizing healthcare may contribute to, reproduce, or mitigate forms of vulnerability and exclusion. Drawing on qualitative research methods, this PhD project aims to take a critical stance by:
• treating inequality as structurally produced rather than externally given;
• questioning dominant managerial logics such as efficiency and performance;
• opening space for alternative organizing and systems transformation.
The project duration is four years, starting from the appointment date.
Profile
You hold a master's degree in the human or social sciences, for example in Business Studies, Economy, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, or a related discipline;
• You graduated with strong academic results (Yearly exam results equaling 68% (honours) or more, at least twice, of which minimum once in the master’s degree);
• Final-year master's students are also encouraged to apply. Appointment is, however, contingent upon obtaining the required degree;
• You have an interest in scientific research and are motivated to pursue a PhD;
• You have experience with, or a strong interest in, qualitative research methods;
• You possess strong analytical skills and are curious, critical, and able to work independently;
• You communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, and have an affinity for writing scientific texts and presenting research findings;
• You have an excellent command of both spoken and written English and Dutch. Your proficiency in both languages enables you to independently conduct qualitative research, including carrying out interviews, conducting observations, analysing research data, and writing academic texts.
Offer
We offer a full-time appointment as a PhD scholarship holder in a stimulating environment. We will support you step by step in your development as a scientist, with a focus on conducting and publishing rigorous and transparent research that is relevant to practice. In addition, we support your personal development and offer opportunities to gain teaching experience. Educational support includes supervising bachelor's and/or master's theses, assisting with examinations, and supporting the preparation and delivery of courses.
Start date: from October 1, 2026, subject to approval by the doctoral committee (see https://admin.kuleuven.be/reglementen/en/education/phd-students/phdregulation-feb#autotoc-item-autotoc-3), for a period of four years (subject to a positive evaluation after 12 months). Your primary workplaces will be Leuven and Antwerp.
More information about working at KU Leuven can be found at: http://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/index.html
Interested?
For more information, please contact:
We would like to receive your application no later than July 22. We hope to find a candidate who can start in October. Do not hesitate to apply if you are currently completing your master's degree. Applications can only be submitted through the online application tool. Please include a motivation letter, CV, and a summary of your master's thesis. In your motivation letter, explain why you are interested in this position and provide examples demonstrating how you meet the required profile. Interviews will take place during the second half of August.
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. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
