You will join the dynamic and inspiring Department of Work and Organisation Studies (WOS), an interdisciplinary group of approximately 50 researchers studying the world of work from a variety of academic perspectives. WOS conducts internationally recognised research on topics including employee well-being and job quality, HRM, leadership and organisational behaviour, careers and sustainable employability, and the role of organisations in society. As a researcher, you will become part of a stimulating academic environment that values collaboration, scientific excellence and societal impact. The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) operates across campuses in Antwerp, Brussels, Kortrijk and Leuven. Together, these vibrant cities offer a unique research environment at the heart of Europe. This position is based at our Brussels Campus, located in a lively and highly international city. KU Leuven is one of Europe’s leading research universities and is recognised worldwide for its scientific impact and capacity for innovation. The university offers researchers an excellent environment in which to develop their academic careers. More information is available on our website.
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Project
You will contribute to a theory-driven and methodologically innovative research project examining the protective role of resources in employee exposure to workplace interpersonal mistreatment, including bullying, aggression, sexual harassment and incivility. In contrast to the dominant focus on risk factors and harmful consequences, this project investigates which resources may prevent initial exposure and counter its persistence or escalation. The project builds on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and develops a process-oriented and context-sensitive perspective in which employees’ experiences are embedded within their broader social and organisational work context. Central to the project are configurations of personal, interpersonal, job, team and organisational resources. Drawing on the concept of resource caravan passageways, we examine how resources reinforce one another and how the work context facilitates or impedes their availability and protective effects throughout the exposure process.The research is primarily quantitative and uses advanced analytical methods. Longitudinal data are already available, enabling you to start developing your first studies soon after joining the project. You may also build on existing Dutch-language qualitative data, and there is scope for additional data collection. As a PhD researcher, you will contribute to theory development and empirical research within an interdisciplinary team, pursuing both fundamental scientific and practice-relevant objectives.
Your responsibilities
• You will work with the available data from the outset, allowing you to develop your first studies quickly. In collaboration with the research team, you will formulate and refine theoretically grounded research questions and analyse the data using advanced person-centred and longitudinal methods;
• You will report your findings in scientific papers, with a view to publication in international peer-reviewed journals and inclusion in your doctoral dissertation;
• You will contribute to the project’s further theoretical and methodological development and design follow-up studies, which may involve additional quantitative and/or qualitative data collection;
• You will present your research at scientific conferences and participate actively in national and international research networks and seminars;
• You will complete the doctoral programme of the Faculty of Economics and Business (see https://onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be/opleidingen/e/SC_50903320), selecting substantive and methodological courses in consultation with your supervisor to further develop your expertise;
• You will support lectures and practical sessions and contribute to the supervision of bachelor’s and master’s theses and to assessment activities.
The project has a duration of four years from the appointment start date.
Profile
• You hold a master’s degree in Psychology, Business Economics, Business Engineering or a closely related behavioural or social science discipline, preferably with a focus on work, organisations, HRM or organisational behaviour;
• You have achieved strong academic results, including a distinction or international equivalent on at least two occasions during your higher education;
• You have a strong interest in theory-driven research on work, organisations and employee well-being. Familiarity with work stress theories is an asset;
• You have a strong interest in quantitative research methods and are motivated to develop your expertise in advanced longitudinal and person-centred analytical methods. Previous experience with these methods is an asset but is not required;
• You have strong analytical skills and approach your work with accuracy, critical thinking and scientific rigour;
• You communicate clearly and have an affinity for academic writing and presenting research findings;
• You have an excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset;
• You enjoy working collaboratively within 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 doctoral scholarship holder within KU Leuven’s Work and Organisation Studies Research Unit. You will join the research team of Prof. Elfi Baillien at the Brussels Campus and will be supervised by Prof. Baillien together with co-supervisor Prof. Guy Notelaers of the University of Bergen. You will receive close scientific guidance while being given the autonomy to develop into an independent researcher within this international collaboration.
The position can start from 1 November 2026, subject to approval by the Faculty Doctoral Committee in accordance with the doctoral regulations (https://admin.kuleuven.be/reglementen/onderwijs/doctoraat/doctoraatsreglement-feb#section-2). The appointment is for four years, subject to a positive evaluation after the first 12 months. Your main place of work will be the Brussels Campus.
More information about working at KU Leuven is available at https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/index.html.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Elfi Baillien, mail: [email protected].
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.