Doctoral scholarship holder ERC Starting Grant project ‘Unravelling the politics of basic income: How responsive are policymakers to public opinion?’

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 20 000 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 University of Antwerp (Department of Sociology) is looking for three full-time (100%) researchers aspiring to complete a PhD. Successful candidates will join the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Unravelling the Politics of Basic Income: How Responsive are Policymakers to Public Opinion?’ (acronym: BI-RESPONS project).

Position

• contribute to the successful implementation of the BI-RESPONS project
• develop a PhD dissertation within the contours of the ERC project
• more information about the project: https://tijslaenen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ERC_StG_2024_B2_FINAL.pdf

Profile

• a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences (sociology, political science,…)
• a keen interest in issues of social policy and political representation
• a solid background in qualitative data analysis (preferably in-depth interviews)
• experience with quantitative survey analysis is a bonus
• excellent English language skills (speaking and writing)
• proficiency in (or eagerness to learn) at least one of the languages spoken in the project countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia)
• strong motivation to work both independently and as a team player
• good organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities  and reach deadlines
• 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 stimulating research environment in a leading research centre on social policy.
• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for a total of 4 years.
• Candidates are expected to enroll in the Doctoral Program of the University of Antwerp.
• The planned start date is 1 May 2025 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 (BAP).
• You will do most of your work at the vibrant City Campus of the University of Antwerp.
• You will also have the opportunity to carry out extended periods of fieldwork in one or more of the project countries (see above).
• 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 before 27 February 2025 (by midnight Central European 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 first decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. Successful applicants will receive an invitation for an interview in the course of March 2025.
• 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 position itself, please contact Tijs Laenen (tijs.laenen@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.