Fulltime position (100%) of Post-doctoral researcher on the research topic of: Policy and Institutional Contexts of Ethnic Discrimination
The Brussels School of Social and Population Studies (BRISPO) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the EqualStrength Horizon project on cumulative discrimination. The main research topic is the multilevel study of the policy and institutional contexts of ethnic discrimination (which is Work Package 3 of this Horizon project). This position is an exciting opportunity to join an international consortium investigating systemic discrimination across multiple settings, including the labor market, housing, and childcare services. More information about the project can be found here.
Your job will consist of the following research responsibilities:
1. Research and Data Collection:
- Collaborate with other teams within the project to gather cross-national and municipal-level data on discrimination indicators.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of how local- and national-level contextual factors influence discrimination in hiring, rental, and childcare access.
- Collect and analyze secondary data related to socio-demographic and policy indicators at the municipality and national levels.
2. Multilevel Modelling and Analysis:
- Employ multilevel statistical techniques to assess how different layers of policy (local, regional, national) affect levels of discrimination.
- Analyze datasets, combining experimental data from field experiments with local and national policy indicators.
- Examine interaction effects between policy frameworks and socio-demographic factors in explaining discrimination levels.
3. Publication and Dissemination:
- Lead the writing of research papers related to WP3 deliverables, including working papers on national policy effects, discrimination across municipalities, and gendered family welfare state regimes.
- Present findings at international conferences, stakeholder workshops, and academic meetings.
- Contribute to project dissemination activities, including reports, policy briefs, and academic publications.
4. Collaboration and Teamwork:
- Work closely with the Work Package leader and collaborate with other teams working on related tasks within the project.
- Contribute to the project’s overall research design, ensuring integration between WP3’s contextual analysis and other work packages, particularly in relation to field experiments in WP2.
Job requirements
- Doctoral degree in sociology, economics, political sciences or related sciences.
- You are fluent in English, both spoken and written. You have strong communication skills.
- Knowledge of Dutch and/or French is a bonus.
- Advanced quantitative skills, among which multilevel analyses, linear and non-linear regression techniques, knowledge of both SPSS and R. You are eager to learn more quantitative methods of analysis and data collection.
- Research experience with field experiments and/or cross-national analyses are considered as a bonus.
- We consider science as a team sport. You are a loyal team-player, and you agree to co-write and co-publish with the research team in high-impact scientific journals.
- Your research mentality is focused on “getting the things done”.
Job offer
- Suggested starting date: Between the 1st of December 2024 and 1st of January 2025
- We will offer a contract as a postdoctoral researcher of 12 to 16 months, depending on your seniority. You will receive a wage linked to one of the wage scales set by the government (the higher your research-related seniority, the higher your wage).
- Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, or compensation if you come by bike.
- Cost-free hospitalization insurance and eco-cheques.
- Excellent facilities for sport and exercise at the VUB campus.
- An open, family-friendly work environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract).
- A dynamic and stimulating research environment.
- This is an office-based job. You are expected to be at the office (VUB campus Etterbeek) at least three days per week. Flexible working hours with opportunities to work from home.
Applying for this job
- Deadline for application: 6th of November 2024.
- Job interviews will take place online or in person (in Brussels) on the 11th or 12th of November.
Your application must at least include the following attachments:
- A brief curriculum vitae,
- A concise statement of the reason for applying,
- A digital copy of your PhD degree.
- Your application should be written in English
- Please email your application to Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe: Pieter-Paul.Verhaeghe@vub.be and Abel.Ghekiere@vub.be
- For more information, please contact Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe: Pieter-Paul.Verhaeghe@vub.be
