The Public Governance Institute at KU Leuven is an internationally oriented and interdisciplinary research institute that focuses on various aspects of public governance. Both fundamental and applied research are part of our research activities, with a focus on theory, empiricism and practice. The mission of the PGI is to acquire knowledge and insight into politics, governance and policy of governments at local, regional, federal, European and international level.
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Project
The Public Governance Institute has an opening for a fully funded PhD candidates to work within a European research project on the democratic anchorage of public administration reforms.
Public sector reform and innovation is essential to deliver policies and to provide high-quality and resilient public services. A (real or perceived) lack of public administration reform may undermine the legitimacy of government because it is not able to serve the needs of
citizens, or because it damages public finances. This makes public administrations fragile and vulnerable.
Public administration reform is also a source of contestation. The technocratic nature of many reforms and innovations have created concerns about the democratic nature of such reform. The content of innovations (technological and other) may stand in contrast with some basic tenets of democratic society (equal treatment, rule of law, minority protection). The way in which reforms and innovations are designed and delivered may undermine the legitimacy of such reforms. As a result, public administrations are under attack. Illiberal tendencies risk undermining the democratic values of bureaucracies. Populist politics challenge well-intended public administration reforms, but also identify blind spots in reform ideas.
This means there are two major risks. One is that public administration innovators and reformers will design reforms that will not work or will leave parts of the population left out. The other is that reforms of which the effectiveness has been proven will not be seen as legitimate by large parts of the public.
Specific tasks are
• Preparing a PhD in the Social Sciences at the Public Governance Institute, Faculty of Social Sciences (supervisor Prof. S. Van de Walle; co-supervisor prof. T. Steen)
• Communicating and coordinating with the other members in the European research team;
• Liaising with public sector organisations for data collection purposes;
• Designing the research, collecting and analysing data, and communicating about the findings;
• Representing the project during meetings of the research consortium, and contributing to the management of the reporting for the project;
• Writing papers to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals;
• Participating in the international research community and presenting results at conferences;
• Communicating about findings to the broader public and to public sector organisations;
• Occasional involvement in teaching activities, including supervision of exams and master thesis coaching.
Profile
You have a master´s degree (or near completion) in public administration, political science, sociology, economics, or management, and have a wide-ranging knowledge of and affinity with the field of public administration or the public sector. In addition to an understanding of the latest developments in the field, the candidate must possess good research skills. Training will be provided.
Having distinguished oneself during the studies (equivalent of ‘cum laude’ in the Belgian system) is essential. Proven affinity for empirical research, as evidenced by your master’s thesis, or, if available, publications is required. You have good communicative and administrative skills and are able to communicate research to a range of different actors, preferably in multiple languages. Knowledge of either French or Dutch is an asset but not essential. You are also open to spending several months abroad for a research stay and for training purposes. It is essential to move to Belgium for this position.
Offer
-A full-time position as PhD researcher (doctoraatsbursaal) for one year, which, upon positive evaluation, will be extended up to four years. Starting date is February 1st, 2025. Applicants who are about to graduate early 2025 are encouraged to apply.
-The net amount of an EEA scholarship is equal to 100% of the net salary of a research assistant with the same qualifications, age and family situation.
-An inspiring and challenging international and academic environment at a leading European research university
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Steven Van de Walle, tel.: +32 16 32 00 77, mail: steven.vandewalle@kuleuven.be.
We require a CV, a motivation letter, a writing sample, and the name and contact details of two references (all in English). The first round of interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held via Teams on 10 or 11 December 2024.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.