• As a PhD researcher, you will actively work on the preparation and defence of a doctoral dissertation. As a doctoral researcher, you will be part of an interdisciplinary and cross-border research project focused on the legal, political, and geographical dynamics of the Franco-Belgian border region. You will conduct independent academic research within an international team of scholars and work towards an English-language PhD dissertation in the field of legal geography.
• You will conduct in-depth legal and comparative legal research related to the specific context of border regions. The concrete topic will be determined in consultation between you and your supervisor (Prof. Dr. Steven Van Garsse). You will support the general operation of the research project and contribute to knowledge exchange within the project's research team, which consists of 5 universities.
• You will publish in peer-reviewed (inter)national scientific books and journals and actively participate in (inter)national scientific meetings within your research domain. Foreign research stays and research stays with the co-supervisors (Prof. Dr. Bernard Reitel, Université d’Artois, and Prof. Dr. Fabienne Leloup, Université Catholique de Louvain – Mons) are also part of your duties.
• You will take on a limited package of teaching and support tasks (e.g., supervising student groups, information sessions for prospective students, exam invigilation, representation of doctoral researchers in councils, etc.).

Our goal is to use a legal perspective to impact the switch to a more sustainable and resilient society, both in the region and far beyond.
To achieve this, we combine our research within the research group CORe (Centre for Government and Law). We focus significantly on the relationship between citizens and the government, with particular attention to resilience and sustainability. We opt for high-quality research in selected core domains and believe in the added value of multidisciplinarity. More information about our research activities and our team, which includes about 15 professors, 40 doctoral researchers, and an enthusiastic support staff, can be found on the [CORe website].
In addition to high-quality research, we also consider high-quality and innovative education very important. In an academic Bachelor's and Master's degree in Law, we train students, in collaboration with KU Leuven and Maastricht University, to become creative and problem-solving jurists. We do this through assignment- and problem-based education and always with an open perspective on society.
Both our workplaces and classrooms can be found on the city campus of UHasselt, in the renovated Old Prison near the Dusartplein. This location is easily accessible by public transport.

• You hold at least a Master's degree in Law (or equivalent). The possession of a dual degree, for example in European Studies or Political Science, is an asset.
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.

• You preferably achieved excellent study results (distinction or higher) in previous studies.

• You have a strong interest in multidisciplinary research, with particular attention to the political and geographical context of border regions. You are therefore willing to expand your methodological skills in a multidisciplinary way. You have an affinity for comparative legal research and possess strong analytical skills.

• You have the ability to organize and lead workshops.

• You are willing to undertake a research stay, particularly at the partner institutions (Université d’Artois and Université Catholique de Louvain – Mons).

• You have at least a good command of French and English; knowledge of other European languages is a plus. You are motivated to write a PhD dissertation in English.

• You work in a quality-oriented, integral, creative, and collaborative manner.

• You are a team player with an open, collaborative mindset and enjoy working in an international and cross-border research environment. Your commitment is evident, for example, through sufficient presence on our campus.

• You are willing to undertake teaching professionalisation training

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.

• You will receive a doctoral scholarship for 2 years (renewable once, subject to a positive interim evaluation). You will be provided with a workplace on the UHasselt city campus (Old Prison), IT equipment, and a budget for attending scientific conferences both nationally and internationally.
• A full-time doctoral position within a dynamic and international research group based at UHasselt.
• Close supervision by an experienced and multidisciplinary academic team.
• A stimulating academic environment that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and societal relevance.
• Opportunities for international mobility and academic development.
• Opportunities to collaborate closely with various policy actors.

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
The interview will be conducted in English. A Bachelor's and/or Master's thesis will also be added, if applicable.

Apply now
Apply up to 09.02.2026