Postdoctoral Scholarship in Social Sciences

boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Herman Deleeck Centre of Social Policy in the Faculty of Social Sciences is looking for two full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holders in the field of Social Policy.

Position

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of socio-economic sciences. The PhD project fits in the broader ERC funded research project “Navigating volatility in different welfare state contexts (VOLARE)”. This project analyses how social policy design interacts with the month-to-month income variability experienced by households, and the strategies households develop to navigate this volatility. In the context of this project, we conduct a mixed-methods study that links consecutive monthly incomes collected among over 240 low to middle-income families in Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and Italy, with in-depth interviews on the strategies households develop to navigate their volatile incomes, and simulations of the effect of likely welfare state responses using EUROMOD. We confront these findings with representative estimates of month-to-month volatility and welfare state responses based on national register data. With a survey experiment, we assess how households value stability over income, and assess the implications for effective social policy design.
• You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
• You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad.
• You will report progress to your supervisor and committees, and present your research at scientific conferences.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in sociology, socioeconomic sciences, economic sciences or related disciplines, or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
• You can demonstrate good to excellent study results.
• You have excellent English language skills.
• You have notions of Dutch, Finnish or Italian, or are willing to acquire these.
• You pay attention to details and act with attention to quality and integrity.
• You have a keen interest in socioeconomic policy issues and social questions, and background knowledge of the working of European welfare states.
• You have a solid background in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis, and are willing to further your knowledge and practical experience in line with the project’s needs. Practical experience with in-depth interviews is a plus, as is familiarity with microsimulation, or large-scale data analysis.
• You have a sense of independence, a creative mind, and a strong motivation to learn and work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

What We Offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed, up to a total scholarship duration of 4 years.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• The planned start date is January 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. The Centre of Social Policy hosts a vibrant and international community of motivated researchers looking into a range of related research questions.
• 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 up to and including October 13th, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the next steps in the selection procedure. Selection interviews of those eligible after pre-selection will take place on Thursday October 29th.
• 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 job itself, please contact professor Sarah Marchal, sarah.marchal@uantwerpen.be.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusive Working Environment

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.