[Belgium] PhD in Food Development at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

PhD in Food Development at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

LICOS - Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, is seeking to appoint a PhD student/Research Assistant for 4 years as of Fall 2009, to support current research on Food Policy, Development and related fields. Field work in any of the geographic regions of focus (Eastern Europe, China, India, Africa) is possible. The supervisor of the project is Prof. J. Swinnen, Director of LICOS.

Selection Criteria
· University degree in economics or applied economics, preferably at MPhil level
· Strong analytic and technical capabilities in modern economic methods
· Proficiency in statistical and econometric methods
· Interest in developing collaborative research within the research project
· A GRE test will be required for admission
· Fluency in spoken and written English (a TOEFL or IELTS test will be required for non-native speakers)

Applications must reach us no later than 15 April 2009.

About LICOS
LICOS is a research centre of Excellence at the Faculty of Business and Economics that focuses on theoretical and empirical research of macro- and micro-economic aspects of transition, institutional changes and economic performance. LICOS belongs to the 12 “Centres of Excellence” of K.U. Leuven. The research at LICOS is organized around four main research themes, each under the auspices of a Research Director:
- Development and Food Policy (Prof. J. Swinnen)
- Labour Markets and Industrial Restructuring (Prof. J. Konings)
- Market Structure and Performance (Prof. P. Van Cayseele)
- International Trade and Fiscal Policy (Prof. Hylke Vandenbussche)
(for more info: www.econ.kuleuven.be/licos)

PhD Program at the Faculty
The research project will allow the student to simultaneously pursue a PhD in (Applied) Economics. The University of Leuven (KUL) has an extensive Ph.D. program: about 160 researchers are currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Economics/Business studies or PhD in Economics. Usually, a PhD program takes 4 years, with the first year including important course work in advanced economics.
(for more info: www.econ.kuleuven.be/lsbe)

How to Apply
Candidates must send their curriculum vitae, together with a statement outlining expression of interest in the position, to conny.schuurmans@econ.kuleuven.be. There is no application form. Applications must reach us no later than 15 April 2009.