Stock-flow modelling in the circular economy

(ref. BAP-2022-251)

Laatst aangepast : 26/04/2022

The research group “sustainability assessments of materials and circular economy” (SAM) of KU Leuven brings together researchers who are motivated to strengthen Circular Economy strategies by well-founded scientific insights. We develop indicators, scenarios and assessments of the environmental, economic and social hurdles and opportunities of circular technologies and business models. This research position is linked to the Circular Economy Policy Research Center, coordinated by the SAM group and funded by the Flemish Government. This center performs policy research in order to monitor, stimulate and contextualize the progress of the Flemish region towards a circular economy. It consists of five interdisciplinary and complementary research clusters and is a joint venture of KU Leuven, UAntwerpen, UGent, UHasselt and VITO. Currently, we are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to carry out research in the field of circular economy, stock-flow modelling and environmental and economic impact assessments.

Project

The objective of the research is to build models of material flows in (parts of the) society in order to assess the possible effects of different future scenarios of the evolution in regulation, economic and technological changes, etc. You will gather relevant data to monitor the progress towards a circular economy in Flanders as a first step. Modelling of stocks and flows is crucial to gain insights in raw material use and in the potential to gain materials back. Such flows are determined by the amount of required materials and their lifetimes. With dynamic modelling you will assess material flows from the past and from the future to determine amounts, qualities and locations of materials in products and in society. Scenarios will be elaborated, both with respect to variations in inflow and in stock management, and the associated environmental impacts will be calculated. Selection of scenarios, case studies and product group will happen in close interaction with other researchers active in CE Center and with Flemish policy makers.

Besides you will prepare an application for a PhD project elaborating on sustainability modelling frameworks, including MFA, consequential LCA, LCSA, economic modelling and use this models to study the effects of policy instruments.

Profile

• You have a Master of Science in Engineering (Engineering Science or Bioscience Engineering, with strong interest in economics) or Economics. You have preferably obtained this degree in 2020 or later, with at least distinction as a grade.
• You should show a strong interest in sustainability issues and global challenges like circular economy as well as in policy design.
• Specific expertise in one or more of the following areas is an asset: LCA, MFA, economic modelling, environmental LCC.
• You have a scientific, critical attitude and you are interested in interdisciplinary research 
• You have good communication and presentation skills, proficient in English. Knowledge of Dutch, both spoken and written, is considered a plus.
• You have an independent working style.
• Experience as a researcher is welcome but not mandatory.

Offer

We offer a research position for one year in a very attractive international research environment, with an excellent track record in sustainable materials management and environmental economics. This research position can be extended to a 4 year PhD position within this field upon successful approval of a PhD proposal.

The position is promoted by Prof. Karel Van Acker (Faculty of Engineering Science, Department Materials Engineering and Faculty of Economics and Business, Centre for Economics and Corporate Sustainability) and Prof. Johan Eyckmans (Faculty of Economics and Business, Centre for Economics and Corporate Sustainability)

The research work will be carried out within the KU Leuven materials engineering department in Leuven. The job will include collaboration and information exchange with researchers from different disciplines, industry and policy makers.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Karel Van Acker, tel.: +32 16 32 12 71, mail: [email protected] or Mr. Luc Alaerts, tel.: +32 16 32 49 69, mail: [email protected].

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected].