Fulltime position (100%) of Phd student & Teaching assistant in Sociology
On the PhD subject of: Cross-national Differences in Structural Racism
The Department Sociology of the Faculty ES at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is looking for a PhD student with a doctoral grant. Your job will consist of mainly two components: research and education.
Research component
Writing a Phd dissertation in Sociology on the topic of cross-national differences in structural racism, under the supervision of Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe. Racism refers to the beliefs and practices that are upholding a historically grown structure of systematic disadvantage of some ethno-racial groups. This Phd project will focus on the institutional and structural embeddings in which racial practices are operating, respectively at the meso- and macro-levels. The overall goal is to examine how and why structural racism differs between countries. In the first part, we look at the ideological, behavioral and experiential aspects of racism, such as prejudices, discrimination, implicit bias and perceived discrimination. Each time, we follow an intersectional approach, in which racial exclusion intersects with gender and social class. In the second part, we aim to subsequently explain the cross-national differences in racism from the angles of policies, colonial legacies, nation-building and/or national traumas. In both parts, there is each time much freedom to further tailor these broad research aims according to personal academic interests (e.g., choice of specific countries, indicators or policies). It is expected that you elaborate this research topic further during the first months and apply for external funding to the Fund for the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), of course in close collaboration with your promotor.
Educational component
You will be involved as a teaching assistant in the Department of Sociology, and in particular in the Bachelor of Social Sciences (e.g., statistical exercise sessions, grading papers or theoretical workshops). The language of instruction in this programme is English. Supervision of an additional course in the Dutch-language programme is also an option. In addition, you will contribute to the daily functioning of the department and the Bachelor in the Social Sciences programme.
Job requirements
- Master’s degree in sociology, economics, political sciences or related sciences.
- You are fluent in English, both spoken and written. You have strong communication skills.
- You feel comfortable to teach and supervise students in English.
- Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence and rigour as well as curiosity. High study grades are a must.
- Some professional experience with scientific research is an asset, but not a requirement.
- Advanced methodological skills, preferably in both quantitative and qualitative methods. You are eager to learn more quantitative and/or qualitative methods of analysis and data collection.
- 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
- You’ll be offered a full-time PhD-scholarship, for 12 months. On the condition of a positive evaluation during the first year, this is extendable up to max. 48 months (six years in total).
- You’ll receive a grant linked to one of the wage scales set by the government.
- Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, or compensation if you come by bike.
- Cost-free hospitalisation 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.
- Suggested starting date: Between the 1st of December 2024 and 1st of February 2025
Applying for this job
- Deadline for application: 15th of November 2024
- Job interviews will take place online or in person (in Brussels) on the 21st or 22nd of November.
- Your application must at least include the following attachments:
- A brief curriculum vitae
- A concise statement of the reason for applying
- A copy or the extended summary of your master thesis
- A copy of your detailed study results (and a copy of your master diploma) - Your application should be written in English
- Please email your application to Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe: Pieter-Paul.Verhaeghe@vub.be
- For more information, please contact Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe: Pieter-Paul.Verhaeghe@vub.be
