Doctoral Opportunity in Green Energy Transition
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to delve into the realm of energy economics? The European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) offers a compelling position for a Doctoral Candidate starting 1 September 2026. This program is not just a job; it’s an invitation to be part of a European research and training network that is shaping the future of energy policy through innovative research.
Project and Funding Framework
This doctoral position is funded for 36 months by the ENERPOL MSCA Doctoral Network. There’s also the potential for a fourth year of funding from UCLouvain, contingent on satisfactory progress. The ENERPOL network is focused on understanding the role of households in the green energy transition, addressing key issues such as fluctuating energy prices, inequality, and household risk exposure.
ENERPOL places a strong emphasis on training, offering doctoral candidates a platform to engage with cutting-edge methods, theories, and transferable skills. Enrichment activities will include:
- International Summer Schools and Workshops: Engage with industry leaders and academics to broaden your horizons.
- Cross-National Supervision Teams: Benefit from multi-disciplinary guidance dedicated to your PhD project.
- Secondments: Experience working in both academic and industry settings to gain practical insights.
Host Institution and Research Environment
The successful candidate will be affiliated with the Louvain Institute of Data Analysis and Modeling in Economics and Statistics (LIDAM) at UCLouvain. Nestled in a vibrant research environment, LIDAM gathers experts across economics, econometrics, and operations research. Regular seminars, workshops, and international collaborations make it an ideal setting for cultivating innovative ideas.
Responsibilities of the Doctoral Candidate
As a Doctoral Candidate, your role will encompass several key responsibilities that contribute to both your personal growth and the academic community:
- PhD-Level Coursework: Engage in and complete required coursework as per UCLouvain’s doctoral program.
- Independent and Collaborative Research: Operate within a network of academic and non-academic entities, focusing on energy and public economics.
- Develop and Analyze Research Questions: Produce original research using economic and econometric methodologies.
- Dissertation Preparation: Aim to create a PhD dissertation geared toward publication in reputable international journals.
- Conference Presentations: Share your research findings at global events and ENERPOL training activities.
- International Research Stays: Participate in secondments and stays at various partner institutions.
- Limited Teaching and Dissemination: Contribute to tutoring or spreading awareness about your PhD project.
- Mandatory Training Events: Attend all organized training events laid out by the ENERPOL doctoral programme.
Required Qualifications
Aspiring candidates should meet the following qualifications to be considered:
- Academic Background: A Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field, emphasizing quantitative analysis.
- Economics Training: Robust grounding in microeconomics and applied econometrics.
- Interest Areas: A keen interest in energy economics, industrial economics, and policy-relevant research.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, Matlab).
- Collaborative Skills: Ability to thrive individually and collaboratively in an international context.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
Additional assets that would enhance an application include:
- Experience in Energy Markets: Prior exposure to energy regulations or related policy analysis.
- Data Handling Skills: Familiarity with large datasets or advanced econometric techniques.
MSCA Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MSCA position, applicants must adhere to specific criteria, including:
- Residency Limitation: No residency or main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the start date.
- Doctoral Degree: Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
Employment Conditions
Successful candidates will enjoy a range of attractive employment conditions:
- Contract Terms: Full-time doctoral researcher position following Belgian labor law, with a 36-month contract funded by the MSCA.
- Remuneration Structure: A gross monthly salary of EUR 2,610, complemented by a monthly mobility allowance of EUR 710. For single researchers, the net income is approximately EUR 2,730, depending on tax situations.
- Social Security and Benefits: Full social coverage, pension rights, paid annual leave, and an end-of-year bonus will be provided.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should ensure their application is both complete and submitted in English as a single PDF file named in the format Lastname_Firstname.pdf. Applications must include:
- Statement of Intent: Clearly stating the position you’re applying for, along with a maximum one-page outline.
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailing academic and professional experiences.
- Transcripts and Certificates: Including Bachelor’s and Master’s degree documentation.
- Writing Sample: Such as a Master’s thesis or a relevant research paper.
- Residency Statement: A brief account of your residence, work, and study for the preceding 36 months.
- Language and Test Scores: If available, include formal language certification and standardized test scores.
- Referees: Contact details of at least two academic referees.
Applications should clearly specify the desired position, and candidates may apply for multiple positions if desired.
The deadline for full consideration is 15 February 2026, with interviews and offers expected in March 2026.