Doctoral scholarship holder social policy

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy (CSB) of the Department of Sociology (Faculty of Social Sciences) of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Social Policy.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of socio-economic sciences. The PhD project fits into the FWO-funded research project “When flexicurity drops the ball: assessing the role of the European welfare states in mitigating the income effects of volatile employment”. This research project revisits flexicurity’s prime claims, that we understand to be replacing job security by employment security, and guaranteeing income security. The aim of the project is to use quantitative, survey-based individual and dynamic measures inspired by research on income volatility, in order to assess the role of different welfare state institutions in guaranteeing income security. Our focus on European welfare states, with their vastly varying institutions, will aid in discerning to what extent flexicurity policies are effectively relevant for those in unstable careers, and which national income support policies limit income shocks.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in sociology, socioeconomic sciences, economic sciences or related disciplines, or you will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results (preference will be given to honours degrees).
• You have excellent English language skills.
• You have a keen interest in socioeconomic policy issues and social questions.
• You have a solid background in quantitative research methods and data analysis. You have a good knowledge of statistical software packages such as STATA, SPSS, SAS or R, or willing to acquire such knowledge.
• You pay attention to details and act with attention to quality and integrity.
• You have a sense of independence, a creative mind, and a strong motivation to work within an multidisciplinary team.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed, up to a total scholarship duration of 4 years.
• The planned start date is 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. At the Centre for Social Policy, you find yourself in a welcoming environment of both national and international passionate PhD Students, working on similar topics using a large variation of research methods.
• As a PhD student, you are encouraged to participate in international conferences and summer schools. In addition, you have access to extensive in-house training opportunities.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including June 17^th, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. Selection interviews will take place from July 1st to July 5th.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. Sarah Marchal, sarah.marchal@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.