PhD Position on wellbeing and input-output analysis

The Institute of Environmental Sciences CML and Faculty of Science is looking for:
PhD Position on wellbeing and input-output analysis

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is looking for a PhD candidate to work on a systems perspective on wellbeing to move beyond GDP using input-output analysis under the supervision of Lena Kilian and Rutger Hoekstra.

What you will do

Project
Existing research on socio-ecological transitions integrates ecological and social impacts of environmental degradation and mitigation to operate within planetary boundaries. However, from a wellbeing-perspective, this research typically centres how basic needs and wellbeing indicators can be met through consumption. This includes a focus on meeting basic needs, such as food, housing and mobility requirements, as well as linking energy consumption to indicators like subjective wellbeing and life expectancy. While considering consumption-side needs satisfaction is essential, aspects of wellbeing which are linked to production, including working hours and labour conditions, are overlooked. In addition, factors not directly inside of the production-consumption sphere, like leisure time, social relationships, and unpaid work are also typically not included in these analyses.

To bridge this gap, this research takes a systems perspective of wellbeing, looking at wellbeing indicators throughout the whole of society. The successful candidate will work with the new global MARIO input-output database to link economic activity to production-side wellbeing indicators (e.g. work hours, labour conditions, gender equality, income equality, early mortality) and consumption-side wellbeing indicators (e.g. needs satisfaction, essential energy use, life expectancy). Moreover, survey data can be used to analyse wellbeing indicators beyond the formal production-consumption sphere, including leisure time, unpaid work and social relationships. This allows for a whole systems overview of wellbeing. Thereby, this work can identify wellbeing gaps in existing socio-ecological transition frameworks and explore pathways, which consider wellbeing throughout society. This can provide important insight into beyond GDP indicators for a post-growth economy, which are necessary for achieving socially just climate policy.

In addition, this project will link the national totals to the European household consumption and other subnational data in order to analyse between as well as within-country differences. This will enable an analysis of demographic and regional variations in wellbeing. As a result, this project will provide insight into how wellbeing can be achieved throughout and beyond the production-consumption sphere, considering necessary socio-ecological transitions to stay within planetary boundaries.

Where you will work
Leiden University is situated between Amsterdam (36 km) and The Hague (15 km) and was founded in 1575, making it the oldest university in the Netherlands. It houses around 35,000 students originating from 112 nationalities, facilitated by approximately 8,000 staff.

The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels.

The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 150 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), and with the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.800 staff and almost 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science. Information about CML can be found at www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/environmental-sciences.

What you bring

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Industrial Ecology, Ecological Economics, Geography)
• Good or excellent programming skills for data analysis (experience in Python or R is preferred)
• Experience with input-output analysis is strongly preferred
• Strong interest in wellbeing and beyond GDP
• Knowledge of statistical and spatial analysis methods and tools, or willingness to learn
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Your unique perspectives will enrich our research and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.

What we offer
We offer an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for up to 3 additional years based on performance, following the pay scale P0 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 3.059 to € 3.881 gross per month based on a full-time position.

At our institution, we believe in flexibility and work-life balance! With a full-time position (38 hours per week), you are entitled to 232 vacation hours per year, which is equivalent to 30.5 vacation days (based on a 38-hour work week). If you value flexibility, you have the freedom to adjust your working hours. For example, you could choose to work 40 hours per week, earning extra compensation hours. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter work week, you can work 36 hours per week by using some of your vacation days to create more time for yourself. You’ll work closely with your supervisor to tailor your schedule in a way that suits both your needs and the team’s.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%)

An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future

Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options

Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands

Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for both workdays and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office

PhD student support: As a PhD student, you’ll be part of the Graduate School of Science, which offers a variety of training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness

We are committed to offering a flexible, supportive, and rewarding work environment, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. For more information about the working conditions, please visit: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important

Diversity
At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/dossiers/diversity

Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Want to apply or find out more?

Information
Enquiries can be made to Lena Kilian (l.kilian@cml.leidenuniv.nl)

Selection Committee:

• Lena Kilian, Assistant professor
• Rutger Hoekstra, Associate professor

Applications
Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter (max 2 pages.)
• Names and contact details of at least two referees

The deadline for submissions is January 25th, 2026; applications received after this date will not be considered.

The 1st round of interviews will take place on February 9th, 2026.
The 2nd round of interviews will take place on February 27th, 2026.