Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of social demography

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Centre for Population, Family and Health (CPFH) of the Sociology Department of the Faculty of Social Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Social Demography.

Position

• You actively work on the preparation and defence of a doctoral dissertation (PhD) in the social sciences. Your PhD is part of the BOF research project "Patterns of family formation among young adults with a migration background: how are they shaped by labour market opportunities and economic cycles?". This project investigates how the timing of parenthood and further family formation vary by migration background, but also whether and to what extent this variation can be explained by the differential labour market opportunities of women with a migration background and their partners. To answer these questions, we use advanced statistical methods (e.g. hazard models, joint modelling) and innovative register data (i.e., longitudinal microdata at the individual and household level derived from population and social security registers).
• You will publish (mainly English language international) scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You hold a master's degree in sociology, socio-economic sciences, economic sciences or a related discipline, or will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You have excellent study results.
• You have excellent English language skills.
• You have a keen interest in social questions and social demography.
• You have a solid background in quantitative research methods and data analysis, or you are interested to further develop these skills. You have a good knowledge of statistical software packages (such as Stata, SPSS or R), or are interested to develop these skills further.
• You pay attention to details and act with attention to quality and integrity.
• You have a sense of independence, a creative mind, and a strong motivation to 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 four years.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, an internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will will do most of your work at the City Campus of the University of Antwerp, in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. Working from home (1 to maximum 2 days a week) is possible by mutual agreement. At the Center for Population, Family and Health, you find yourself in a welcoming environment of both national and international passionate PhD Students, working on similar topics using a large variation of research methods.
• As a PhD student, you are strongly encouraged to participate in international conferences and summer schools. In addition, you also have access to a wide range of additional (in-house) training courses.
• 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 application platform up to and including the 21^st of August 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form, and make sure to include the following attachments: i) a motivation letter, and ii) your academic curriculum vitae.
• The selection committee will review all applications by the 25^th of August 2024 and all applicants will be informed about the next steps in the selection procedure. Selection tests and interviews will take place on the 27^th of August, the 3^rd of September, the 4^th of September or the 5^th of September 2024, subject to availability.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please consult the frequently asked questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the position itself, you can contact Prof. dr. Karel Neels (Karel.Neels@uantwerpen.be) or Prof. dr. Leen Marynissen (Leen.Marynissen@uantwerpen.be).

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.