UCLouvain invites applications for a full-time PhD position in Economics at the Louvain Institute of Data Analysis and Modeling in Economics and Statistics (LIDAM), CORE, in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
Research project
The project, Design of auction-based support schemes for renewable energy in Europe, studies renewable energy auctions using auction theory and industrial organization. The exact orientation is flexible, and the candidate will develop their doctoral research project during the first year. Possible directions include:
- De-risking green investment: how public support affects private insurance, technology choices and incentives to control costs.
- Multi-technology auctions: how auctions can balance competition, technology portfolios, systemic risk and European strategic autonomy.
- Local content requirements: how non-price award criteria affect competition and strategic trade.
- Pre-qualification requirements and completion bonds: how these instruments affect project abandonment, innovation and competition.
Research environment
The successful candidate will join the LIDAM Energy Group at CORE. The position is based in Louvain-la-Neuve and starts in autumn 2026, no later than January 2027.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- a two-year research master's degree (120 ECTS) in Economics, obtained with distinction; or a master's degree in another field complemented by at least one year of graduate-level courses in economics;
- solid graduate-level training in microeconomic theory, including industrial organization, and game theory; and
- proficiency in English.
Funding eligibility condition: under UCLouvain's doctoral-scholarship regulation, the scholarship holder may not have reached the age of 30 at the start of the first grant period. The limit is raised by one year for each maternity, paternity or adoption before the start of the doctorate, and exceptions may be approved by the rector.
Conditions
The FSR doctoral scholarship initially covers 24 months, with a possible 24-month extension subject to the funding conditions and satisfactory progress. It currently provides about EUR 2,400 net per month and is exempt from income tax.
Application
Applications must be submitted in English as a single PDF file containing:
- a one-page statement of intent outlining the proposed research and showing how the applicant meets the required qualifications;
- a curriculum vitae;
- Bachelor's and Master's transcripts and available degree certificates;
- one writing sample, such as a Master's thesis or research paper;
- available language certificates and standardized test scores; and
- the names and contact details of at least two academic referees.
The application deadline is 21 September 2026.
Questions about the position may be sent to Bert Willems at bert.willems@uclouvain.be.
To apply, visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Nbx4HmviLp. (See posting for details.)