The University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time PhD candidate to join the research project 'Unequal Numbers: The Making of Ethno-Racial Inequality in Brazil' at the Institute of Development Policy (IOB). This four-year doctoral position, starting September 2026, is embedded in an international research agenda exploring the political economy and lived practices of quantification, focusing on how ethno-racial inequality becomes 'data' through classifications, infrastructures, and everyday encounters in and around official statistics and related data initiatives.

The project combines historical/archival research, qualitative fieldwork (interviews, observation, focus groups), and digital humanities tools to link data politics (institutions, categories, controversies) with data practices (how data is produced, negotiated, and made actionable). The PhD candidate will conduct innovative research aligned with the project’s work packages, examining how ethno-racial inequality is produced, stabilized, contested, and circulated through data across institutional and everyday settings in Brazil. The research will employ a multi-method qualitative and historical approach, including archival/documental research, interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation, and digital humanities/qualitative-data tools to organize, analyze, and communicate findings.

As part of the position, the candidate will contribute to the project’s emphasis on research communication and societal impact, including dissemination formats and public-facing outputs. Active engagement in the intellectual life of IOB (seminars, reading groups, collaboration) and limited teaching/support tasks (up to 10%) are expected. The candidate will also undertake an exchange/research stay at a non-Flemish host institution, co-supervised by Prof. Alexandre Camargo, with the possibility of a joint PhD trajectory.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, History, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline. Prior research experience in qualitative methods (ethnography, interviews, focus groups) and/or historical/archival research is required. Excellent command of Portuguese (for fieldwork) and English (for academic communication) is essential. Interest in or basic experience with digital humanities/qualitative data tools and a willingness to experiment methodologically are expected. Motivation to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, internationally networked research environment and to contribute to public-facing research communication is required. Prior research experience in Brazil and background in social studies of quantification, anthropology of data, critical data studies, or political economy of development are considered assets.

The position offers a doctoral scholarship for four years, with a monthly amount calculated according to university rates. Additional benefits include ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting, access to a wide range of courses, and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School. Teleworking may be possible in the initial phase, but significant time at the field site and an exchange/research stay are expected.

Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 11 May 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, academic CV, writing sample, copies of academic degrees, and a short research proposal (all in English). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview on June 8, 2026. For questions about the job, contact Prof. Moisés Kopper at [email protected]. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.