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 well-being and quality of work, HRM, leadership and organizational behavior, careers and sustainable employability, and the role of organizations in society. 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 Antwerp, Brussels, Kortrijk, and Leuven. Together, these vibrant cities form a unique research environment in the heart of Europe. This position is linked to our Brussels campus, a lively city with a strong international character. 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
You will contribute to an innovative research project on the role of resources in the emergence, persistence, and prevention of workplace interpersonal mistreatment, such as bullying, aggression, sexual harassment, and incivility. While research has traditionally focused on the harmful consequences of such experiences, we know much less about how resources can protect employees against their development or escalation. The project aims to address this knowledge gap by examining which resources matter, when they provide protection, and under which circumstances they contribute to prevention or de-escalation. The research builds on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and develops a new process-oriented approach to workplace interpersonal mistreatment. It examines how personal, social, and organizational resources are related to changes in experiences of interpersonal mistreatment over time. In doing so, the project seeks to gain insight into the mechanisms that contribute to resilience, recovery, and prevention within organizations.
As a PhD researcher, you will be part of an interdisciplinary research team and contribute to an ambitious mixed-method research program. You will collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data and develop expertise in innovative research methods. The project is situated at the intersection of work and organizational psychology, occupational well-being, and organizational behavior, and aims to generate both fundamental scientific insights and practice-oriented tools for promoting healthy and safe work environments.
Your responsibilities include:
• Actively contributing to the further development of the research project in collaboration with the research team:
- Formulating and refining research questions;o Designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative research;
- Collecting, processing, and analyzing research data (e.g., through interviews, surveys, and longitudinal research designs);
- Reporting research findings and writing scientific articles with a view to publication and inclusion in the doctoral dissertation.
• Active participation in national and international research networks, seminars, and scientific conferences;
• Successful completion of the PhD program of the Faculty of Economics and Business;
• Educational support activities, such as supervising master's theses, assisting in practical sessions, and contributing to assessment activities.
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 Psychology, Applied Economics, Business Engineering, Sociology, Management, or a related discipline;
• You graduated with strong academic results (at least two distinctions during your higher education);
• 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 and/or quantitative research methods and data analysis;
• 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 English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset, as part of the data collection may take place in Dutch;
• You enjoy working as part of a research team, while also being able to take independent responsibility for your own research project.
Offer
We offer a full-time appointment as a PhD scholarship holder in a stimulating environment. You will work primarily with the research team of Prof. Dr. Elfi Baillien. 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 (for organizations and employees). In addition, we support your personal development and offer opportunities to gain teaching experience. Educational support includes supervising a fixed number of 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/rd/doctoraatsreglement/doctoraatsreglement-feb#section-2), for a period of four years (subject to a positive evaluation after 12 months). Your primary workplace will be Brussels.
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, one referee (e.g., the supervisor of your master's thesis), 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 (on-site or online) during the first half of August. A research assignment will also be discussed during the interview. The selection decision will follow shortly thereafter.
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.
