Two PhD positions on dynamics in flat careers: "Flat but not static"

The Research Group Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology and Professional Learning (O2L) studies the relationship between people and work, with strong attention to sustainability. Research themes are diverse and include well-being, employability, job insecurity, leadership, professional learning, and team learning. Methodological approaches are equally diverse. In addition, O2L is committed to innovative teaching.
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Project

Flat careers—long-term employment within a single organization with limited internal mobility and high job security—are common (e.g., civil servants, teachers). Despite their prevalence, they are often problematized. The underlying assumption is that flat careers lead to passivity and stagnation. These assumptions have not yet been empirically tested, but they do inform policy reforms with sometimes substantial consequences for employees (e.g., abolishing tenured contracts, introducing expert roles in education).

This project tests and challenges these assumptions by focusing on dynamics within flat careers. We address two key research questions:

1. Do jobs in flat careers become more passive over time, leading to reduced learning and activation?
2. Does job security undermine employability, leading to career stagnation?

Across two PhD projects, we examine short- and long-term changes in job design and in the trade-off between job security and employability. We study their impact on well-being and activation, career success, and retirement intentions.

You will be supervised by a team consisting of Prof. Dr. Ilke Grosemans and Prof. Dr. Nele De Cuyper. In addition, you will provide limited support in teaching activities (e.g., supervising student projects, administrative tasks).

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Offer

• We offer a full-time PhD position for a period of 4 years, conditional upon a positive evaluation after the first year.
• You will join a stimulating international environment with a high degree of autonomy.

Interested?

Do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Nele De Cuyper ([email protected]) for more information. 

We expect your CV, motivation letter, and at least one reference who we may contact by August 14 at the latest. After CV screening, interviews will take place in the first week of September. For the interviews, we will ask you to formulate one research question related to the PhD topic and to explain how you would approach it. This will serve as a starting point for the discussion.

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.