Postdoctoral Scholarship in Sociology
University of Antwerp
Belgium

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

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