Postdoctoral researcher in sociology of climate change

The Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Social Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral researcher in the field of sociology of climate change.

Position

• The position contributes to the ongoing ERC funded project “REIMAGINE. Understanding the Role of Economic Imagination for Advancing Decarbonization in Europe” (https://uantwerpen.be/reimagine).
• As part of a cross-national study, you will conduct a qualitative analysis of Spanish media discourse on the issues of climate change and decarbonization.
• You will join an international, dynamic research team investigating contested societal responses to climate change across Europe.
• You will jointly draft articles and other outputs for scholarly publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• You will gain experience in managing an ERC-funded research project.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in sociology or a closely related discipline, or will have obtained it before the start of the contract.
• You have excellent language skills in Spanish and English. Additional language skills in one of the languages relevant to the project (German, Polish, Swedish) are a plus.
• You demonstrate a strong interest in climate change and sustainable transformation and have broad knowledge about these dynamics in the context of Spain.
• You have practical experience with qualitative research methods, particularly discourse or content analysis.
• You are familiar with Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) software like Nvivo, MaxQDA or Atlas.ti.
• Interest in economic sociology, the sociology of imagined futures or related fields of research is considered an asset.
• You have a proven track record of publishing in international, peer-reviewed journals.
• You are reliable, capable of working independently, and demonstrate initiative.
• You possess strong organizational and communication skills.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research/management/).
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer an appointment as a visiting postdoctoral researcher for a period of 4-6 months, upon mutual agreement.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a postdoctoral researcher in the Contract Research Staff category. If you work part time, your salary is calculated proportionally on the basis of your employment percentage.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date is January 15, 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at Stadscampus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including October 20, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time).
• Be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your academic CV, and a copy of your Master and PhD certificate.
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline.
• The selection interviews will take place on October 29, 2025.
• If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Dr. Lisa Suckert at lisa.suckert@uantwerpen.be.