Postdoctoral Researcher in ERC Project EXPULSE: Urban Expulsion Regimes Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the ERC-funded project EXPULSE – Urban Expulsion Regimes. Based at the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on urban expulsion regimes, housing trajectories, and socio-spatial inequalities across four European cities: Brussels, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Thessaloniki.

The EXPULSE project investigates how contemporary forms of urban expulsion, particularly housing evictions, are produced, governed, and spatially distributed. It conceptualizes urban expulsion regimes as the dynamic interplay between state policies, housing market regulations, public discourses, and the everyday practices of bureaucrats and private actors involved in eviction processes. The research employs a comparative mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of eviction court data with qualitative interviews and ethnographic fieldwork.

As the postdoctoral researcher, you will lead the quantitative and comparative work package. Your responsibilities include compiling, cleaning, harmonising, and analysing eviction court datasets across the four cities; developing comparative indicators of urban eviction rates; conducting advanced statistical and geospatial analyses using tools such as ArcGIS, SPSS, Stata, Python, and R; mapping and analysing the geographical distribution of eviction patterns; and examining similarities and differences in urban eviction regimes and their socio-spatial impacts. You will also integrate quantitative and qualitative findings into a broader comparative and mixed-methods framework, collaborating closely with the principal investigator and PhD researchers, and contributing to the theoretical development of urban expulsion regimes.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in sociology, urban studies, geography, anthropology, or a related field, completed before the start date. Essential qualifications include strong quantitative research skills, experience with large or administrative datasets, proficiency in statistical and geospatial software, a strong publication record, and fluency in English. Experience with court or administrative data, cross-national or comparative research, and knowledge of local languages (Dutch, French, Spanish/Catalan, or Greek) are considered assets. Non-EEA nationals must meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB and comply with residence requirements.

The position is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) and offers a 12-month contract (extendable up to 36 months based on positive evaluation), with a salary linked to government scales. Additional benefits include extensive homeworking options, telework allowance or internet fee, cost-free hospitalisation insurance, full reimbursement of public transport commute, compensation for cycling, campus meal discounts, excellent sport facilities, nursery discounts, and access to training platforms. The VUB provides an open, diverse, and stimulating international research environment, with a strong commitment to equality and inclusion.

To apply, submit your application online via jobs.vub.be by 15 May 2026, including your CV (with contact details of two references), motivation letter, one or two representative publications, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni). The selection process includes an initial review of application files, followed by interviews in early June 2026, where shortlisted candidates will present a draft research proposal aligned with the EXPULSE project objectives. For questions about the job content, contact Prof. Eva Swyngedouw at [email protected].

For further information about the VUB, its campuses, benefits, and strategic goals, visit jobs.vub.be. To learn more about the EUTOPIA alliance, visit eutopia-university.eu.