Postdoctoral Fellow in Social Work

Ghent University

Last application date: 15 March 2026, 23:59 CET
Department: PP04 – Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy
Occupancy rate: 100%
Degree required: Master’s degree in social work, educational sciences, psychology, or another relevant social sciences discipline

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest and most exciting employers in the region and offers great career opportunities.

With 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research across a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for both staff and students.

About the UNPACK Project

Unpacking the asylum procedure in its intersecting linguistic, sociocultural, psychological and legal dimensions (UNPACK) is an interdisciplinary and interuniversity iBOF project investigating fairness in asylum procedures.

Asylum procedures are challenging, partly due to the diverse socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the actors involved—such as applicants, officials, interpreters and lawyers—and the interactions between them. UNPACK integrates insights from linguistics, anthropology, psychology and law to examine the lived experiences of those involved.

Through in-depth ethnographic research of specific case studies and the broader organisational context, the project seeks to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based framework of fairness in asylum procedures.

UNPACK is coordinated by Karel Arnaut (Anthropology, KU Leuven), Ilse Derluyn (Social Work, UGent), Katrijn Maryns (Applied Linguistics, UGent) and Ellen Desmet (Law, UGent). The project is embedded in a unique collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS), the Belgian authority responsible for decisions on international protection.

Your Tasks

• Conduct mixed-methods research on the intersections between wellbeing/mental health and the asylum procedure, from the perspectives of various stakeholders, with the goal of obtaining a doctoral degree.
• Develop a specific research focus in dialogue with supervisors, co-researchers and the asylum administration.
• Work intensively within an interdisciplinary team of 8 researchers and 4 professors, sharing data and analyses and contributing to collaborative research alongside individual disciplinary research.
• Report on research findings both academically and to a broader audience.
• Actively contribute to the activities and tasks of the research group and department.

What We Are Looking For

General Requirements (UNPACK Positions)

• Strong team player, given the high level of collaboration required.
• Demonstrated affinity with refugee issues and/or asylum procedures.
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills.
• High proficiency in Dutch or French, with considerable fluency in the other language.
• Fluency in written and spoken academic English.
• Diversity-sensitive attitude and strong intercultural communication skills.
• Empathy, precision, and a critical mindset.
• Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Ability to manage deadlines effectively.
• Contribution to a positive and collegial working environment.

Specific Requirements

• An internationally recognised Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social work, educational sciences, psychology, or another relevant social sciences discipline.

Assets

• Knowledge of or experience with wellbeing and mental health among people with a refugee or migration background.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (e.g. self-report questionnaires, in-depth interviews).
• Knowledge of languages relevant to refugee communities.
• Experience working with people in vulnerable situations.
• Experience with academic research, particularly in an interdisciplinary context.

What We Can Offer You

• A full-time doctoral fellowship within a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team.
• An initial 12-month appointment, extendable after positive evaluation to a maximum of 48 months.
• Employment at the Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy and membership of CESSMIR (Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees).
• An intended contract start date of 1 September 2026.
• A fellowship amount equal to 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. Fellowships meeting the relevant criteria are exempt from personal income tax.
• Extensive staff benefits, including training opportunities, 36 days of annual leave (for full-time employment), fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

How to Apply

Send your application as one single PDF file to unpack@ugent.be by 15 March 2026, 23:59 CET.

Please use the following as the email subject line and PDF filename:

“Surname – First name – PhD in Social Work”

Your application must include:

• CV and overview of study results
• Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
• Copy of your diploma (if available)
• One-page summary of your master’s dissertation or a recent academic publication

Late applications will not be accepted.

Selection Procedure

You will be informed by 3 April 2026 at the latest whether you have been selected for the next round. If selected, interviews will take place in person in Ghent on 20–21 April or 4–5 May 2026.

More Information

For further information about this vacancy, please contact:

Prof. Ilse Derluyn
Email: ilse.derluyn@ugent.be
Phone: +32 (0)472 92 04 09

Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.