PhD position: Career Decision‑Making Frictions

About the role

The Work and Organisation Studies (WOS) research unit at KU Leuven seeks a PhD candidate to investigate frictions that hinder workers' career decision‑making. Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Marijke Verbruggen and Prof. Dr. Anja Van den Broeck, the researcher will explore how financial hardship, health problems, caregiving responsibilities and other constraints affect career trajectories and well‑being.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on career decision‑making and related frictions.
• Design and execute two to three empirical studies, including data collection and analysis.
• Examine the impact of specific constraints (e.g., financial insecurity, chronic illness, caregiving) on career outcomes over time.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of theoretical frameworks that integrate bounded rationality and career agency.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in economics, psychology, sociology, human resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong interest in labour market dynamics, career development, and employee well‑being.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and oral.

Required skills

What we offer

• Full‑time PhD position within a leading European research university.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and interdisciplinary expertise.
• Opportunities for international networking, conferences, and publications.
• Competitive funding package covering tuition and living expenses.