Postdoctoral researcher in agricultural economics focused on Vietnam and the Global South

→  Apply before 16/10/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time) →  Faculty of Bioscience Engineering →  Department: BW27 - Landbouweconomie →  Occupancy rate:10% →  Number of positions: 1 →  Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration →  Term of assignment: →  Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree) →  Required diploma:PhD

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

This is a part-time position (10%). The researcher will work within the research group of Prof. Joachim Schouteten, Prof. Hans De Steur, and Prof. Xavier Gellynck, which specializes in agri-food marketing and supply chain management ( https://agecon.ugent.be/agri/ ).

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong scientific background in market analysis and behavioral sciences within the agri-food value chain, who will contribute to specific research activities related to the work of Prof. Joachim Schouteten and Prof. Hans De Steur.

The candidate will primarily be involved in research closely linked to the FWO project “Promoting an Inclusive and Transparent Deforestation-Free Supply Chain: A Socio-Economic Approach”, which focuses on Vietnam and, to a lesser extent, Belgium. The researcher will contribute to the supervision and coordination of the research activities and support the collaboration between the Vietnamese partner and our research group.

The research conducted within this project mainly involves quantitative data collection and analysis, using survey-based methods such as discrete choice experiments with both consumers and farmers. Part of the consumer research will also involve the use of eye-tracking technology.

In addition, the researcher will contribute to further strengthening the research group’s expertise in quantitative research methods and the development and application of new, relevant research methods. Where relevant, the researcher will also contribute to ongoing, guidance of (PhD) students, the preparation of scientific publications, proposal writing, and selected activities within the research group.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD), obtained no more than 6 years ago. The 6-year period is determined based on the date stated on the diploma requested above and the start date of the employment contract, in the field of agricultural and food economics or marketing, socio-economics, marketing, innovation, food sciences, behavioural sciences, or an equivalent field.

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

• A track record of scientific research in the relevant research field, demonstrated by scientific publications in Web of Science-indexed journals.

• Very good command of English, both orally and written.

• Proficiency in statistical software packages (e.g. Stata, R, SPSS, Ngene/Nlogit, etc.).

• Experience in supervising Master's and/or PhD students.

• Experience in proposal writing.

• Active contributions to scientific conferences.

• Ability to ensure that professional ethical standards are adhered to in the collection, processing, and dissemination of research.

• Advanced knowledge of quantitative research methods, including experimental design and choice experiments.

• Knowledge of qualitative research methods and experience with methodologically driven research.

Recommended

• Knowledge of Vietnamese, both orally and written.

• Research experience in socio-economic analysis within the agri-food sector, including market analysis and behavioural research focusing on consumers and other stakeholders in the value chain.

• Interest in conducting research in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam.

- Skills/Attitude

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Quality-oriented with strong attention to detail.

• Team player.

• Problem solver.

• Ability to work flexibly and independently and to perform well under time pressure.

• Proactive attitude, willingness to think outside the box, and eagerness to learn.

• Well-organised and able to manage multiple projects in parallel.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration.

• Your contract will start on 1/11/2026 at the earliest.

• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). Click here for more information about our salary scales .

• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents

• In the field ‘CV’ : your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)

• In the field ‘Cover letter’ : your application letter in pdf format

• In the field ‘Diploma’ : a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

• In the field “other documents” : copy of your PhD.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more informatio n about this vacancy, please contact prof. Hans De Steur ( hans.desteur@ugent.be ). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the  FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be.