Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Sciences

Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Unspecified

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About the FHSE

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg 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.

Your role

The Y-LOCAL project examines the enabling factors and structural conditions that allow young people to feel socially integrated and supported within their local environments. At its core, the project undertakes a municipal structure and actor analysis, implemented through case studies. These include youth surveys, an examination of local governance mechanisms, the provision of local infrastructure, and the organisation of actors and networks. The aim is to identify the defining characteristics of youth-oriented municipalities, highlight examples of good practice, analyse key factors for success, and determine developmental needs as well as potentials for innovation. The findings will contribute to the further development of youth-oriented local infrastructures, provide policy-makers and practitioners with evidence-based recommendations, and enrich the academic discourse in the field of local youth research.

Within this project, the postdoctoral researcher will assume a central role in the empirical implementation. The successful candidate will join the research group on non-formal education at the Centre for Childhood and Youth Research (CCY) within the Department of Social Sciences. The CCY is a multidisciplinary research centre currently comprising approximately 20 staff members, conducting studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate youth development and social inequalities. The Centre maintains close collaborations with national and international research institutes and organisations.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct practice-oriented research using qualitative data collection and analysis methods (e.g. qualitative interviews with young people)
• Design, implement and analyse an online survey with municipal and local stakeholders
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with project partners and stakeholders
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals as well as professional and project-related reports
• Prepare and disseminate results for stakeholders through policy briefs, data reports and other knowledge transfer formats
• Present research outcomes at national and international scientific conferences
• Contribute to the acquisition of external research funding and support the preparation of grant applications

For further information, please contact Dr. Sandra Biewers: (+352) 46 66 44 9557 /

Your profile

• Ph.D. in sociology or a related social science discipline (e.g., educational sciences, pedagogy, psychology)
• Solid expertise in qualitative social research (e.g., conducting qualitative interviews, analysing qualitative data); basic knowledge of quantitative data collection and statistical analysis is an asset
• Experience in youth research is desirable
• Good knowledge of the Luxembourgish social sector as well as the structures of non-formal education in Luxembourg is an asset
• Proficient in data processing and analysis software (e.g., Atlas.ti, MaxQDA, SPSS)
• Fluency in at least two of the following languages: Luxembourgish, German, French is essential for the study; proficiency in English is an asset

We offer

• 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 …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Writing sample (e.g., PhD thesis)
• Copies of diplomas
• Contact details of three academic referees

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07756

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).