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LUDEMO investigates how societies address sustainability challenges in contexts of democratic backsliding, focusing on the critical intersection between land use systems and political governance. The project combines cross-country analyses with case studies in Europe, Northern Canada, and Mozambique.
Land Systems for Sustainability Lab, UCLouvain – Belgium
Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
The Land Systems for Sustainability Lab at the Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, is seeking two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join the ERC Advanced Grant Project LUDEMO, led by Professor Patrick Meyfroidt.
LUDEMO investigates how societies address sustainability challenges in contexts of democratic backsliding, focusing on the critical intersection between land use systems and political governance. The project combines cross-country analyses with case studies in Europe, Northern Canada, and Mozambique, offering a unique opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary, high-impact research on sustainability science and democratic institutions.
Position 1: Cross-Country and Comparative Analyses
Scope of Work:
The first postdoctoral researcher will lead comparative and quantitative research across national contexts. Their responsibilities will include:
- Conducting cross-country statistical analyses on the two-way relationships between land use change and democratic backsliding
- Utilizing geospatial and secondary datasets at global and regional scales
Candidate Profile:
Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field such as geography, environmental science, economics, data science, agricultural economics, development studies, or social sciences. They should demonstrate:
- Strong skills in quantitative methods, spatial analysis, and impact evaluation
- Experience with Earth Observation, GIS, or big data analytics
- Proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python
- Capacity to engage with theoretical synthesis across disciplines
- Prior experience in stakeholder outreach
Position 2: Discourses on Land Use and Democratic Backsliding
Scope of Work:
The second postdoctoral researcher will focus on the discursive and representational dimensions of land use within democratic backsliding ideologies. This includes:
- Collecting and analyzing textual and visual content (e.g., public discourses, policy documents, and social media)
- Conducting qualitative fieldwork involving rural communities, landowners, and land managers in the three case study regions
- Exploring how narratives and ideologies around sustainability and governance are shaped, contested, or co-opted.
Candidate Profile:
Applicants should hold a PhD in political science, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, or a related discipline. They should demonstrate:
- Expertise in discourse analysis, text mining, and qualitative research methods
- Familiarity with democratic theory, sustainability studies, or environmental governance
- Experience conducting fieldwork or stakeholder engagement, particularly in the Global South or politically sensitive contexts
- Capacity to integrate discursive research with broader interdisciplinary frameworks.
General Requirements (Both Positions)
All candidates must:
- Possess a strong command of English (spoken and written)
- Demonstrate the ability to collaborate within an international, interdisciplinary team
- Be proactive in building networks with local stakeholders and global research partners
Contracts are based on Belgian scholarship regulations, tax-exempt, and include health insurance and other social benefits under the Belgian social security system.
Citizenship or residency in Belgium or the EU is not required. Visa support will be provided. UCLouvain is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity, and strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following by September 5, 2025:
- A CV
- A cover letter indicating the position they are applying for, explaining their qualifications and research interests
- Contact information for three referees
Send applications to:
Prof. Patrick Meyfroidt
Email: patrick.meyfroidt@uclouvain.be
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning September 5. Early submissions are encouraged.
About LUDEMO and the Land Systems Lab
LUDEMO is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the Advanced Grant scheme. It addresses how land use and democratic governance intersect under pressure, aiming to contribute to both scientific knowledge and policy dialogue.
The Land Systems for Sustainability Lab at UCLouvain is internationally recognized for research at the nexus of land governance, sustainability, and socio-political change. It fosters interdisciplinary research and global collaboration.
