Regime Full-time

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 Faculty of Law is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of well-being in legal professions.

Position

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of well-being in legal professions (e.g., lawyers and judges), with a focus on professionals specialized in criminal law.
• You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisors and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
• You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard.
• You will report progress to your supervisors and doctoral committee, and present your research at scientific conferences.
• You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
• You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Law Faculty.

Profile

• You hold a master degree in social sciences or humanities (e.g., law, criminology, or psychology), or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
• You submit an English research proposal for the research you will be developing in the field of well-being in legal professions. This proposal of maximum 5 pages includes the following headings: ‘state of the art’, ‘research objectives’, ‘methodology’ and ‘bibliography’. The proposal should allow you to successfully complete the PhD in 4 years.
• The prior conditions are conditions of admissibility.
• You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
• You have a strong interest in well-being and in criminal law.
• Experience with empirical research methods and interdisciplinary research is an advantage.
• You have a good knowledge of Dutch and English, both oral and written.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are a team player who integrates easily into a research team and actively contributes to a collaborative working environment.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two 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. 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.
• The planned start date is 1 January 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.
• You will do most of your work at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• 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 30 September 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Applications submitted after this deadline will be declared inadmissible. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:

• a motivation letter, including your affinity with and interest in the topic;
• your academic CV, including a detailed overview of your study results;
• a research proposal (see ‘Profile’).

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 possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the following date in your calendar: 13 October 2026 (selection interviews).

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 prof. dr. Anne Van de Vijver (anne.vandevijver@uantwerpen.be), prof. dr. Joëlle Rozie (joëlle.rozie@uantwerpen.be) or prof. dr. Miet Vanderhallen (miet.vanderhallen@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.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy