The University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time doctoral scholarship in social sciences and climate change, with a particular focus on Spanish language skills. This opportunity is part of the ERC-funded project 'REIMAGINE: Understanding the Role of Economic Imagination for Advancing Decarbonization in Europe,' led by Professor Lisa Suckert. The project employs a comparative mixed-method analysis across five European countries to explore how economic imagination influences conflicts, frictions, and impasses in decarbonization, aiming to reveal challenges and opportunities for a unified European mitigation strategy.

As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct an interview study on the implementation of decarbonization in Spain and support the analysis of similar studies in other countries. You will develop your own PhD project related to the REIMAGINE theme, actively contribute to the preparation and defense of a thesis in the field of social sciences, and collaborate within a vibrant international research team. The position requires regular presence at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, fostering exchange and collaboration. You will co-author scholarly articles, present your work at conferences, and gain experience in managing an ERC-funded project. Membership in the Center for Research on Environmental and Social Change (CRESC) and participation in the Antwerp Doctoral School are included.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in sociology or a related discipline (political science, communication studies, cultural studies, anthropology), possess advanced knowledge of qualitative research methods, and ideally be familiar with qualitative data analysis software (MaxQDA, Atlas.ti, NVivo) and interview techniques. Excellent Spanish and English language skills are essential, with additional language skills in Polish, Swedish, or German considered an asset. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of Spain’s social, political, and economic systems, and be familiar with Spanish decarbonization policies and socio-political dynamics. Independence, workload management, and alignment with the university’s teaching and research standards are required.

The scholarship is offered for four years, with a planned start date of April 1, 2026. The monthly amount is determined by university rates and includes ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. The research will be based at the Stadscampus in a dynamic and stimulating environment. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Applications must be submitted online by January 6, 2026, including a motivation letter, academic CV, master and bachelor certificates, and a one-page PhD project proposal related to REIMAGINE. Selection interviews are scheduled for January 16, 2026. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]; for job-specific inquiries, contact Professor Lisa Suckert at [email protected].