Ph.D. candidate in Sociology/Social Sciences

(Valid from 12/09/2023 to 13/11/2023)   

Language: English (UK) 

Location Belval 

Country: Luxembourg   

Organisation data: Department of Social Sciences (DSOC) 

Job Number: UOL05973 

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 

Duration 36 Month 

Schedule Type: Full Time 

Work Hours 40.0 Hours per Week 

Expected Start Date: 01/11/2023   

Functions: PhD Candidates 

Job (internal): Doctoral Researcher     

The University | About us...

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers six Bachelor and twenty Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

The Department of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences invites applications for the following position: Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology/Social Sciences.

Your Role...

The PhD candidate will work in the newly established research team led by Prof. Dr. Kaspar Burger. The major objective is to examine how psychological, social, and institutional factors influence educational opportunities and outcomes from early childhood onward, and how these, in turn, shape human development and life chances. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, we integrate theories and methods from sociology, psychology, educational science, and policy studies. We collect empirical data and perform secondary analyses using longitudinal cohort data as well as international comparative data. The goal is to generate scientific knowledge that advances theory and informs the design of policies to improve the educational opportunities and life chances of vulnerable children andto enable all children to develop their abilities to their fullest potential.

• Conduct social science research on education and human development
• Write an article-based (cumulative) PhD thesis in the above-mentioned research area
• Contribute to ongoing publications
• Disseminate research findings at conferences and at the University of Luxembourg
• Contribute to teaching
• Collaborate with team members
• Support research and administrative activities
• Communicate with various stakeholders
• Acquire and develop techniques and skills that are required to complete the PhD thesis (including writing, statistical analysis, communication, and presentation skills)

What we expect from you…

• Master’s degree in sociology, educational science, psychology, political science, social research, economics, demography, social statistics or related fields
• Interest in the research area of Prof. Dr. Kaspar Burger
• Strong motivation to write a doctoral thesis and ambition to conduct high-level research
• Experience with quantitative data analysis methods
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, Mplus)
• Willingness to engage in teamwork
• Excellent command of English (German and French are considered as an asset)

We offer...

• An inspiring, dynamic environment of cutting-edge research and high-quality training
• Ideal conditions to start an academic career
• Excellent working conditions at a top-class university
• Continuous support and close exchange among team members
• International and multidisciplinary collaboration
• Opportunity to participate in research training and (inter-)national conferences
• Opportunities to further develop your skills and knowledge in a dynamic team
• Personal workspace
• Enrollment in an attractive doctoral school

In Short...

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Ideal start date: February 2024
• Employee and student status
• Location: Belval
• Job Reference: UOL05973

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time)

How to apply...

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter (maximum two pages)
• Outline of a doctoral research project in the above-mentioned area (1 page max.)
• A writing sample (e.g., master thesis)
• Copies of diplomas
• Names and contact details of (ideally) two referees
• If possible, a letter of recommendation

The review of applications will begin on 10 November 2023. We will consider applications received after that date until the position is filled. Applications by e-mail will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Here’s what awaits you at the University

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR).
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

Further information... For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Kaspar Burger (kaspar.burger@uni.lu).     

Apply here https://emea3.recruitmentplatform.com/syndicated/private/syd_apply.cfm?ID=PA0FK026203F3VBQB7V7VV46C&nPostingTargetId=128663&nPostingId=88116