Phd candidate
On-Site
Bert Willems
UCLouvain seeks candidates with a two-year research master's degree for Design of auction-based support schemes for renewable energy in Europe.
This full-time PhD position at LIDAM/CORE uses auction theory and industrial organization. Candidates should have solid graduate-level training in microeconomic theory, industrial organization and game theory, and be willing to develop a doctoral project within this area during the first year.
Research project
The project, Design of auction-based support schemes for renewable energy in Europe, studies renewable energy auctions using auction theory and industrial organization. The exact orientation is flexible, and the candidate will develop their doctoral research project during the first year. Possible directions include:
- De-risking green investment: how public support affects private insurance, technology choices and incentives to control costs.
- Multi-technology auctions: how auctions can balance competition, technology portfolios, systemic risk and European strategic autonomy.
- Local content requirements: how non-price award criteria affect competition and strategic trade.
- Pre-qualification requirements and completion bonds: how these instruments affect project abandonment, innovation and competition.
Eligibility and candidate profile
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- a two-year research master's degree (120 ECTS) in Economics, obtained with distinction; or a master's degree in another field complemented by at least one year of graduate-level courses in economics;
- solid graduate-level training in microeconomic theory, including industrial organization, and game theory;
- proficiency in English; and
- age requirement: under UCLouvain's doctoral-scholarship regulation, applicants may not have reached the age of 30 at the start of the first grant period. The limit is raised by one year for each maternity, paternity or adoption before the start of the doctorate, and exceptions may be approved by the rector.
Research environment and funding
The successful candidate will join the LIDAM Energy Group at CORE. The FSR doctoral scholarship initially covers 24 months, with a possible 24-month extension subject to the funding conditions and satisfactory progress. It currently provides about EUR 2,400 net per month and is exempt from income tax.
Timing and application
The position starts in autumn 2026, no later than January 2027. Applications received by 21 September 2026 will receive full consideration. Review continues until the position is filled.
Voie du Roman Pays 34
1348 Louvain-la-Neuve , Belgique
