Department: Department of Transport and Regional Economics
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Economics
Employment: Full-time (100%)
Application deadline: 7 September 2026
Planned start date: 1 January 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

Overview

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university offering innovative education to more than 20,000 students. The university conducts pioneering scientific research and provides important services to society.

With more than 6,000 employees from over 100 countries, the University of Antwerp is one of the largest, most international and innovative employers in the region.

The Department of Transport and Regional Economics within the Faculty of Business and Economics is seeking a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Urban Logistics.

Position

You will conduct research leading to a PhD in Urban Logistics.

Your doctoral research will focus on:

• Consumer-centric circular logistics in urban environments.
• Developing models for logistics systems that are:
  • More responsive.
  • More efficient.
  • More sustainable.

Your responsibilities include:

Doctoral Research

• Prepare and defend a PhD thesis in Urban Logistics.
• Develop a research plan and research methodology in consultation with your supervisor(s).
• Complete the necessary administrative tasks for a successful PhD trajectory.
• Conduct research efficiently and to a high scientific standard.
• Carry out research abroad if required.
• Apply for funding to support research activities and project costs.
• Report research progress to supervisors and committees.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Publicly defend your doctoral thesis.
• Aim to publish research findings in scientific journals.

Research Support

• Contribute scientifically to existing research projects and research lines beyond your own doctoral project.

Profile

Applicants should:

• Hold a Master's degree in:

  Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Or a related discipline

  Applicants who will obtain their Master's degree before appointment are also eligible.

• Have experience in:
  • Transportation
  • Supply chains

The following are recommended:

• Experience with optimisation techniques.
• Experience with simulation methods.
• Technical programming skills, particularly in:
  • Python
  • Other coding languages.

Applicants should also have:

• Good written and spoken English.
• Research qualities consistent with the faculty and university research policies.
• A strong commitment to:The ability to integrate easily into a multidisciplinary research team and actively contribute to a collaborative working environment.
  • Quality
  • Integrity
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration

What We Offer

The University of Antwerp offers:

• A full-time doctoral scholarship for one year.
• Renewal for an additional three years following a positive evaluation.
• Opportunities to participate in academic activities related to your research.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development through training and education.
• Planned starting date of 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• A monthly doctoral scholarship according to the University's doctoral scholarship regulations.

Additional benefits include:

• Ecocheques.
• Internet connectivity allowance.
• Bicycle allowance.
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting expenses.
• Access to a broad range of doctoral courses through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• Educational credit for doctoral training.

The position is based primarily at:

Stadscampus

where you will work in a dynamic and stimulating research environment.

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is committed to:

• Innovative education.
• Excellent scientific research.
• Societal engagement.
• International collaboration.

The university employs more than 6,000 staff members representing over 100 nationalities, creating a diverse and internationally oriented academic environment.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted through the University of Antwerp online application platform.

Applicants should include:

• Motivation letter, including your interest in and affinity with the research topic.
• Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Selection Process

The selection committee will review applications shortly after the application deadline.

Candidates who pass the initial screening will be informed about the next stage of the selection procedure.

Contact Information

Questions about the Position

Professor Joris Beckers
Email: joris.beckers@uantwerpen.be

Questions about the Online Application

Email: jobs@uantwerpen.be

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Antwerp has received the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award for its human resources policy.

The university is committed to:

• Sustainability.
• Family-friendly employment practices.
• Professional development.
• Equal opportunities.
• Diversity and inclusion.

Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of:

• Gender identity
• Disability
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Age

Application Deadline

7 September 2026 (midnight Brussels time)