If you are passionate about urban mobility and eager to contribute to transformative research in this field, the Marie Curie Doctoral Training Network PhD Researcher Fellowship in Mobility at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers an exceptional opportunity. Applications are now open for this prestigious fellowship, which focuses on the governance of urban transformations and mobility within the European MSCA Doctoral Network TRANSFORM. Details in this article.
Fellowship Summary
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Host University: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Study Level: PhD
Target Group: Early-stage researchers with a Master's degree in relevant disciplines
Fields of Research: Transport planning, Urban planning, Urban studies, Economics, Geography, Political science, Sustainable Development, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Sciences, or related disciplines
Funding:Fully Funded
Duration: 12 months, extendable up to a maximum of 48 months upon positive evaluation
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Eligibility: Early-stage researchers who have not resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before recruitment
Marie Curie Doctoral Training Fellowship
The TRANSFORM project aims to study transitions in urban mobility cultures from a holistic, interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and gender-sensitive perspective. It examines the effectiveness of transformative practices in activating and consolidating these transitions and their socio-spatial effects. The project involves 13 doctoral candidates across 16 esteemed European academic institutions and 9 experienced non-academic organizations, including private companies, associations, regional governments, and urban living labs.
Responsibilities
As a PhD researcher, you will analyze urban transformations by examining non-governmental initiatives across six case studies: Brussels (Belgium), Copenhagen (Denmark), Frankfurt (Germany), Luxembourg (Luxembourg), Madrid (Spain), and Vienna (Austria). Your research will assess the implementation and success of mobility campaigns, the role of stakeholders—especially non-governmental initiatives—in these policies, and contribute to a broader theoretical understanding of urban transformation governance. The goal is to translate these insights into practical recommendations for future urban transformation processes, ensuring best practices inform policy and planning.
Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support: A minimum gross bursary of €3,400 per month, a mobility allowance of €600 per month, and a family allowance depending on individual circumstances.
Professional Development: Participation in an innovative, comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral doctoral program, including academic training, non-academic training, transferable skills training, and coordinated supervision and mentoring.
International Exposure: Opportunities to work with local stakeholders such as civil organizations and government representatives in Belgium, and mandatory participation in trainings, workshops, and secondments (1-2 months) to partner institutions during the project.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Background: Master’s degree in Transport Planning, Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Sustainable Development, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Sciences, or related disciplines.
Research Interests: Demonstrated interest in mobility, sustainability, governance, and participatory planning.
Research Skills: Proficiency or strong interest in developing qualitative (e.g., interviews, focus groups, content analysis) and quantitative (e.g., survey analysis) research skills.
Language Proficiency: Strong oral and written communication skills in English (minimum level C1). Knowledge of Dutch and/or French is desirable for working with local stakeholders in Belgium.
Mobility Rule: Compliance with the MSCA mobility rule, i.e., not having resided or carried out the main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before recruitment.
Early-Stage Researcher Status: Not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should apply by May 15, 2025, via the VUB job portal. The application must include:
A curriculum vitae with contact details of a reference and explicit indication of compliance with the MSCA mobility rule.
A motivation letter (maximum 500 words) expressing the desire to pursue a PhD, interest in the specific position, and approach to the outlined research topic.
A publication or report in English that the applicant substantially contributed to (e.g., Master’s thesis).
Evidence of English language proficiency (copy of a language competency certificate or English-language Master’s degree).
Copy of the diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni).
ℹ️ For questions about the job content, contact Prof. Dr. Imre Keseru at [Imre.Keseru@vub.be] or on +32 (0)2 6148323.
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