Ghent University in Belgium is offering a full-time PhD fellowship as part of the interdisciplinary UNPACK Project, which investigates the asylum procedure through linguistic, sociocultural, psychological, and legal lenses. The project aims to enhance fairness in asylum processes and understand the lived experiences of applicants, officials, interpreters, and lawyers. The research is conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) and involves a team of 8 researchers and 4 professors.

The doctoral fellow will conduct mixed-methods research focusing on the intersection of mental health, wellbeing, and asylum procedures. Responsibilities include developing an individual research focus in consultation with supervisors and asylum administration, collaborating with a diverse research team, sharing and analyzing data, reporting outcomes to both academic and broader audiences, and contributing to departmental and research group activities.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Social Work, Educational Sciences, Psychology, or a related social science field. Experience or interest in refugee/asylum issues and mental health, as well as proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, are required. Candidates must be proficient in Dutch and French and fluent in academic English. Strong intercultural communication skills, empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to manage deadlines are essential. Additional assets include experience with vulnerable populations, knowledge of languages spoken by refugee communities, and prior interdisciplinary academic research experience.

The fellowship offers a competitive salary (potentially tax-free), 36 days of holiday, training opportunities, a bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and membership in CESSMIR (Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees). The initial contract is for 12 months, renewable up to 48 months, with a start date around September 2026. The application deadline is March 15, 2026. To apply, candidates should submit a CV, study results, motivation letter, diploma copy (if available), and a 1-page summary of their master dissertation or recent publication to [email protected], using the subject line 'Surname – First name – PhD in Social Work'.

For further information, contact Prof. Ilse Derluyn at [email protected].