University of Antwerp PhD Scholarship in Urban Logistics 2026–2027 is an opportunity for an aspiring doctoral researcher to undertake a full-time PhD in Urban Logistics in Antwerp, Belgium.
The position is based in the Department of Transport and Regional Economics within the Faculty of Business and Economics and focuses on consumer-centric circular logistics in an urban context. The successful researcher will develop models designed to make urban logistics systems more responsive, efficient and sustainable.
Applications must be submitted by September 7, 2026, at midnight Brussels time. The planned start date is January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
About the University of Antwerp PhD Scholarship
The University of Antwerp is recruiting a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in Urban Logistics.
The research is located at the intersection of urban logistics, transportation, supply chains, circular economy and sustainability. The PhD project will investigate consumer-centric approaches to circular logistics and develop models that can support more sustainable logistics systems in urban environments.
This PhD opportunity may be particularly attractive to graduates in economics, engineering, transportation, logistics and related disciplines who want to pursue an academic career focused on sustainable urban mobility and supply chains.
PhD Research Focus
The doctoral researcher will work on a PhD thesis centered on consumer-centric circular logistics in an urban context.
The project aims to develop models capable of supporting logistics systems that are:
- More responsive to consumer needs.
- More efficient.
- More sustainable.
- Better aligned with circular logistics principles.
The researcher will develop a research plan and associated research methods in consultation with supervisors and conduct the research to the required academic standard.
Main Responsibilities
The successful PhD candidate will have a range of research and academic responsibilities.
Conduct Doctoral Research
The main responsibility is to actively work toward the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis in Urban Logistics.
The researcher will carry out the necessary research, develop methodologies and contribute to the knowledge base in the field.
Develop a Research Plan
The PhD researcher will develop a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with the supervising team.
The role also involves completing the administration necessary for a smooth doctoral process.
Conduct and Present Research
The researcher is expected to conduct the project efficiently and to an appropriate scientific standard.
Research activities may potentially take place abroad, and the researcher is also expected to compete for funding for general or specific research costs.
Report Progress
The candidate will regularly report progress to supervisors and relevant committees.
Participation in scientific conferences is also expected, giving the researcher opportunities to present findings and engage with the wider academic community.
Publish and Defend the Thesis
The successful candidate will publicly defend the completed PhD thesis and is expected to aim for publication of research findings in the scientific press.
Contribute to Other Research Projects
In addition to their own PhD project, the researcher will make a scientific contribution to existing research projects or research lines within the department.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the academic, technical and language requirements specified by the University of Antwerp.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in economics, engineering or a related field, or expect to obtain the qualification by the time of appointment.
Academic Excellence
Applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent study results.
A strong academic record is therefore an important component of the application.
Transportation or Supply Chain Experience
Candidates should have experience in transportation or supply chains.
Experience with optimization and simulation techniques is recommended, as are technical skills in coding and programming, including Python.
English Language Skills
Applicants need a good command of English, both written and spoken.
Research and Personal Qualities
The University is looking for candidates whose research qualities align with the faculty and university’s research policies.
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate:
- Quality orientation.
- Integrity.
- Creativity.
- Cooperation.
- Teamwork.
- Ability to integrate into a research team.
- Willingness to contribute to a collaborative environment.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Antwerp offers a doctoral scholarship for one year, which can be renewed for another three years following a positive evaluation. This creates the potential for a total doctoral funding period of up to four years.
The position also provides opportunities to participate in academic activities and pursue additional training and education connected with the doctoral work.
Financial Support
The monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the University’s established doctoral scholarship holder rates. The supplied vacancy does not state an exact monthly amount.
Additional benefits include:
- Ecocheques
- Internet-connectivity allowance
- Bicycle allowance, or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting
- Access to doctoral training and educational resources through the Antwerp Doctoral School
Research Environment
Most of the researcher’s work will take place at the University’s Stadscampus in Antwerp.
The University describes the working environment as dynamic and stimulating, with opportunities to participate in academic activities, training and education.
The University of Antwerp is an international institution with more than 20,000 students and more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, according to the vacancy description.
Application Requirements
Applicants must apply through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform.
The application must include:
Motivation letter: The letter should explain the candidate’s affinity with and interest in the research topic.
Academic CV: Applicants must provide their academic curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant education, research experience, technical skills and achievements.
Because the research concerns urban logistics, candidates should clearly highlight relevant experience in areas such as transportation, supply chains, optimization, simulation, programming and sustainability where applicable.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
7 September 2026
Applications can be submitted up to and including September 7, 2026, by midnight Brussels time.
The selection committee will review applications as soon as possible after the deadline and contact candidates regarding the outcome and potential next stages of the selection process.
Start Date
The planned start date is:
January 1, 2027
The University notes that the successful candidate may start as soon as possible after this date.
How to Apply
Applicants should use the University of Antwerp’s official application platform.
Official Vacancy:
University of Antwerp – Doctoral Scholarship Holder Urban Logistics
Application deadline: September 7, 2026, midnight Brussels time.
Questions concerning the online application can be directed to jobs@uantwerpen.be, while questions about the research position can be addressed to Professor Joris Beckers.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Antwerp |
| Country | Belgium |
| City | Antwerp |
| Position | Doctoral Scholarship Holder – Urban Logistics |
| Study level | PhD |
| Employment | Full-time, 100% |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Economics |
| Department | Transport and Regional Economics |
| Research topic | Consumer-centric circular logistics |
| Degree | Master’s in economics, engineering or related field |
| Relevant experience | Transportation or supply chains |
| Recommended skills | Optimization, simulation, coding, Python |
| Language | English |
| Initial funding | 1 year |
| Possible renewal | Up to another 3 years |
| Potential duration | Up to 4 years |
| Start date | January 1, 2027 or soon after |
| Location | Stadscampus, Antwerp |
| Deadline | September 7, 2026 |
Final Thoughts
The University of Antwerp PhD Scholarship in Urban Logistics is a strong doctoral opportunity for graduates who want to work at the intersection of urban logistics, circular economy, transportation, supply chains and sustainable logistics systems.
The research project specifically focuses on consumer-centric circular logistics in urban environments, with the aim of developing models for more responsive, efficient and sustainable logistics systems.
The University offers an initial one-year doctoral scholarship that can be renewed for three additional years after a positive evaluation, alongside research training, academic development opportunities and additional benefits such as ecocheques, internet support and commuting assistance.
The position requires a Master’s degree in economics, engineering or a related area, excellent academic performance, relevant transportation or supply-chain experience and good English skills. Knowledge of optimization, simulation and Python programming is recommended.
Candidates should submit their motivation letter and academic CV by September 7, 2026, at midnight Brussels time.
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