The University of Luxembourg is hiring a full-time doctoral researcher for its ECOJUST project at the Kirchberg Campus. The post is a fully funded PhD in sustainability science in Luxembourg. The work is on ecologically just, climate-resilient development in cities. Applications close on 13 September 2026.
Summary details: PhD in sustainability science in Luxembourg
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Doctoral Researcher, ECOJUST project |
| Field | Sustainability science, citizen science, climate resilience |
| Institution | University of Luxembourg, Kirchberg Campus, Luxembourg |
| Funding | Fully funded doctoral post; the advert lists salary as negotiable and gives no figure |
| Duration | 36 months, full time (40 hours a week) |
| Application Deadline | 13 September 2026 |
| Degree required | Master’s in sustainability science, geography, environmental social sciences or humanities, environmental studies, ecology, urban studies, landscape architecture, science and technology studies, or a related subject |
About the position
ECOJUST asks a practical question. Can participatory research and citizen science make urban climate adaptation work for ecosystems and for residents at once? Extreme weather is where the project looks hardest, so heat, drought and heavy rain. During those events, ecological condition and human wellbeing tend to come under strain together. Your thesis would test how that joint vulnerability can be measured, then how to present it so planners can use it. A second strand of the PhD in sustainability science in Luxembourg asks what nature-based solutions would have to deliver. Method choice is open. Qualitative, quantitative or mixed, depending on the question you settle on and on what you already bring.
Research areas and focus
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Climate resilience | Urban heat, drought and heavy rainfall, and how vulnerability is assessed during them |
| Citizen science | Co-designing participatory activities and building the platform ECOJUST runs them on |
| Ecological justice | Fairer and more regenerative approaches to urban climate adaptation |
| Environmental governance | Working with residents, community organisations and public authorities |
| Nature-based solutions | Design criteria that link ecological health, resilience and wellbeing |
| Research methods | Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods; surveys, interviews, workshops |
What you will do
- Run your own doctoral research inside the ECOJUST project
- Design and carry out qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method studies
- Help co-design citizen science activities with residents and local groups
- Build ecological and social indicators for climate resilience
- Set up surveys and workshops, then analyse and interpret what comes back
- Work with community organisations, public authorities and policy makers
- Feed into the citizen science platform and the knowledge systems around it
- Publish with the research team and present at national and international conferences
Who can apply
- Master’s degree in geography, ecology, sustainability science, urban studies, landscape architecture, environmental humanities or studies, environmental social sciences, science and technology studies, or a related subject
- English at C1 level
- Interest in ecological justice, sustainability transformations, citizen science or climate resilience, and in how ecological systems and human wellbeing connect
- Willingness to work across disciplines and with people outside the university
Useful, though the advert treats these as desirable rather than required:
- Qualitative or mixed-method research experience, including interviews or participatory workshops
- Background in urban resilience, climate adaptation or nature-based solutions
- GIS, mapping or spatial analysis skills
- Familiarity with ecological indicators or environmental monitoring
- Track record with public authorities, civil society groups or community organisations
- French, German or Luxembourgish at B2
Am I eligible? The language rule catches people out. The profile asks for C1 English. Separately, doctoral admission wants at least B2 in whichever language you write the thesis in, evidenced by a certificate the university accepts. Sort that out before you apply.
What is offered
- Fully funded doctoral post on a 36-month fixed-term contract
- Full-time hours, 40 a week, based at the Kirchberg Campus
- A place in the Sustainability Science and Transformation group, within the Department of Social Sciences
- Colleagues from more than 90 countries; the university belongs to the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities
- Working links to NGOs, associations, local governments and ministries, which matters if your fieldwork needs partners
- Salary is listed as negotiable, with no figure or pay scale stated in the advert
How to apply
- Prepare a CV, a cover letter setting out why this topic and how your background fits it, transcripts of all university modules and results, and the names, positions and contact details of up to three referees, noting how you know each one.
- Apply through the university’s online HR system and quote reference UOL08363. Emailed applications are refused.
- Send it early. The panel reads applications as they arrive rather than waiting for the closing date, so the field can narrow before 13 September.
Deadline: 13 September 2026.
Related opportunities
Source: University of Luxembourg, job reference UOL08363