KU LEUVEN
Doctoral fellowship for design driven research in the domain of Interior Archite
KU LEUVEN, Sauk Trail Beach, Wisconsin, United States
Organisation/Company: KU LEUVEN Research Field Architecture – Design Researcher Profile – First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country: Belgium | Application Deadline: 28 Nov 2025 | Type of Contract: To be defined | Job Status: Full-time | Offer Starting Date: 1 Apr 2026 | Reference Number: BAP-2025-684
Offer Description The candidate is invited to propose a research project that has a clear focus on Interior Architecture and that requires a design-driven approach. Moreover, it is important that the proposed project connects to ongoing research lines. The following thematic paragraph provides a frame for the research, to which the candidate will relate a position: In the research, interior architecture is approached as an ‘interiorizing’ practice, able to negotiate as well as substantiate novel senses of ‘interiority’. A typology, connecting ‘off‑grid’, ‘tiny’ habitation with ‘study’ or ‘lab’ as a peculiar space of intensification, further refines the research interest. Two research lines and methodological approaches will be centered on this. These run simultaneous, interconnected and guide the research process. Utilizing a design-driven research approach, one line will approach interiority from the development by-design of new, speculative mode(l)s of entanglement between interior/human and —material— landscape/ecology, as such studying and inspiring a novel culture of (co-)habitation. Another line, which embeds the research, will approach interiority and the associated typology of ‘retreat’ through literature- and case-studies, inquiring them as a ‘cultural technique’, in which the equilibrium between a contemplative and an active life is renegotiated. For both research lines, cases will be offered to kick‑start the research. The candidate is further advised to closely look at the information available on the website of the Department. In line with carrying out the research project in close collaboration with your supervisors, your job will consist of:
Starting the doctoral training program at the Arenberg Doctoral School of KU Leuven and at the Faculty of Architecture;
Actively participating in writing funding applications with the aim of finding subsequent funding for the PhD research;
Publishing research in academic journals and books, contributing to ADRO (Artistic and Design‑Related Research Output);
Presenting at international seminars and conferences, while aiming to disseminate work also on non‑academic platforms;
Making a clearly defined contribution to teaching at the Faculty;
Engaging in general services for the Sint‑Lucas Campus (e.g., surveillance of exams, assisting the organization of events);
Organizing activities related to your research topic (e.g., international research meetings, conferences, exhibitions);
Being an active member of the research group you will be embedded in (presenting and sharing ideas and work);
Other general tasks as required by the team.
Qualifications
Outstanding academic performance, demonstrated by distinctions, awards, or endorsements;
Proof of excellent writing and graphic/visual skills (portfolio, articles, book chapters, or master’s thesis);
Relevant or promising provisional experience in design‑driven research;
Enthusiastic and skilled public presenter, able to engage in discussions with peers;
Proactive, enjoying initiative and autonomy in work;
Capability to contribute to teamwork while working independently;
Good command of English;
Resident of Belgium or willing to relocate for the duration of the position.
Benefits
Full‑time PhD researcher appointment for 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 4 years contingent on external funding and positive interim evaluations;
Net amount equal to 100% of the salary of a junior academic staff member (net wage scale 43);
Eco vouchers, end‑of‑year bonus, holiday pay (for scholarship holders subject to full social security), hospital insurance, and reimbursement of commuting costs;
Based at the Faculty of Architecture, campus Sint‑Lucas Ghent, with start date envisioned in April/May 2026.
Application Process For more information, please contact Prof. Johan Liekens (jo.liekens@kuleuven.be). Candidates are invited to apply online on 28.11.2025 at 00:59h the latest. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 19.12.2025 in Ghent or, if necessary, online. Please include in your application file (in English):
Cover letter with a clear motivation (2 pages max);
Concise research statement (2 pages max) describing your proposed research focus, theoretical and design perspective, and how it connects to this vacancy’s thematic paragraph and ongoing research.
Curriculum Vitae;
Portfolio and/or sample of relevant research or work experience, preferably showcasing writing and drawing (or other visual) skills (paper, article, book chapter, thesis, professional project, etc.).
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Country: Belgium | Application Deadline: 28 Nov 2025 | Type of Contract: To be defined | Job Status: Full-time | Offer Starting Date: 1 Apr 2026 | Reference Number: BAP-2025-684
Offer Description The candidate is invited to propose a research project that has a clear focus on Interior Architecture and that requires a design-driven approach. Moreover, it is important that the proposed project connects to ongoing research lines. The following thematic paragraph provides a frame for the research, to which the candidate will relate a position: In the research, interior architecture is approached as an ‘interiorizing’ practice, able to negotiate as well as substantiate novel senses of ‘interiority’. A typology, connecting ‘off‑grid’, ‘tiny’ habitation with ‘study’ or ‘lab’ as a peculiar space of intensification, further refines the research interest. Two research lines and methodological approaches will be centered on this. These run simultaneous, interconnected and guide the research process. Utilizing a design-driven research approach, one line will approach interiority from the development by-design of new, speculative mode(l)s of entanglement between interior/human and —material— landscape/ecology, as such studying and inspiring a novel culture of (co-)habitation. Another line, which embeds the research, will approach interiority and the associated typology of ‘retreat’ through literature- and case-studies, inquiring them as a ‘cultural technique’, in which the equilibrium between a contemplative and an active life is renegotiated. For both research lines, cases will be offered to kick‑start the research. The candidate is further advised to closely look at the information available on the website of the Department. In line with carrying out the research project in close collaboration with your supervisors, your job will consist of:
Starting the doctoral training program at the Arenberg Doctoral School of KU Leuven and at the Faculty of Architecture;
Actively participating in writing funding applications with the aim of finding subsequent funding for the PhD research;
Publishing research in academic journals and books, contributing to ADRO (Artistic and Design‑Related Research Output);
Presenting at international seminars and conferences, while aiming to disseminate work also on non‑academic platforms;
Making a clearly defined contribution to teaching at the Faculty;
Engaging in general services for the Sint‑Lucas Campus (e.g., surveillance of exams, assisting the organization of events);
Organizing activities related to your research topic (e.g., international research meetings, conferences, exhibitions);
Being an active member of the research group you will be embedded in (presenting and sharing ideas and work);
Other general tasks as required by the team.
Qualifications
Outstanding academic performance, demonstrated by distinctions, awards, or endorsements;
Proof of excellent writing and graphic/visual skills (portfolio, articles, book chapters, or master’s thesis);
Relevant or promising provisional experience in design‑driven research;
Enthusiastic and skilled public presenter, able to engage in discussions with peers;
Proactive, enjoying initiative and autonomy in work;
Capability to contribute to teamwork while working independently;
Good command of English;
Resident of Belgium or willing to relocate for the duration of the position.
Benefits
Full‑time PhD researcher appointment for 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 4 years contingent on external funding and positive interim evaluations;
Net amount equal to 100% of the salary of a junior academic staff member (net wage scale 43);
Eco vouchers, end‑of‑year bonus, holiday pay (for scholarship holders subject to full social security), hospital insurance, and reimbursement of commuting costs;
Based at the Faculty of Architecture, campus Sint‑Lucas Ghent, with start date envisioned in April/May 2026.
Application Process For more information, please contact Prof. Johan Liekens (jo.liekens@kuleuven.be). Candidates are invited to apply online on 28.11.2025 at 00:59h the latest. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 19.12.2025 in Ghent or, if necessary, online. Please include in your application file (in English):
Cover letter with a clear motivation (2 pages max);
Concise research statement (2 pages max) describing your proposed research focus, theoretical and design perspective, and how it connects to this vacancy’s thematic paragraph and ongoing research.
Curriculum Vitae;
Portfolio and/or sample of relevant research or work experience, preferably showcasing writing and drawing (or other visual) skills (paper, article, book chapter, thesis, professional project, etc.).
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