Postdoctoral Scholarship in Sociology

University of Antwerp

Overview

• Department: Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Regime: Full-time (100%)
• Position: Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Sociology
• Planned start date: September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
• Application deadline: 20 April 2026 (by midnight Brussels time)

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university with more than 20,000 students and over 6,000 staff from 100 different countries. It combines innovative academic education with pioneering scientific research and plays a key service-providing role in society. The university values diversity, inclusion, and sustainable, family-friendly policies.

Position Description

• Work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in Sociology.
• Research focus: how student mental health and academic performance are intertwined, and how this relationship is influenced by social inequalities throughout the university trajectory.
• Contribute to the launch of a longitudinal student panel at the University of Antwerp, integrating repeated survey data with administrative records.
• Publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• Perform a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of Sociology.

Profile

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Educational Sciences) or completion by start date (graduation by September 2026 at the latest).
• Excellent study results.
• Solid foundation in advanced quantitative research methods; motivation to develop methodological expertise throughout the PhD.
• Highly organized and able to manage project-related tasks meticulously.
• Strong team player with excellent collaboration skills.
• Proficient in Dutch and English, with strong writing skills.
• Teaching competencies aligned with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Research qualities in line with faculty and university research policies.
• Acts with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

What We Offer

• Doctoral scholarship for one year, renewable for up to three additional years after positive evaluation.
• Monthly scholarship amount in accordance with doctoral scholarship standards.
• Eco cheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs.
• Access to a wide range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• Work primarily at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to an innovative longitudinal research project.

How to Apply

• Apply via the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform.
• Include the following attachments:
  1. Motivation letter, including grades for all completed methods and statistics courses
  2. Academic CV
• Selection committee will review applications after the deadline. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for interviews on 4 May 2026.
• Questions about the application form: jobs@uantwerpen.be
• Questions about the position:
  • Prof. dr. Sarah Van de Velde – sarah.vandevelde@uantwerpen.be
  • Prof. dr. Veerle Buffel – veerle.buffel@vub.be

Apply