PhD Candidate: Unequal Numbers – The Making of Ethno-Racial Inequality in Brazil (Institute of Development Policy, University of Antwerp) University of Antwerp in Belgium

The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) at the University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time PhD position on the research project "Unequal Numbers: The Making of Ethno-Racial Inequality in Brazil," led by Prof. Moisés Kopper. This four-year doctoral opportunity 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 successful candidate will conduct innovative doctoral 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. A multi-method qualitative and historical approach is expected, including archival/documental research, interviews and focus groups, ethnographic observation of data practices, and digital humanities/qualitative-data tools to organize, analyze, and communicate findings.

The position offers a dynamic and stimulating working environment at the UAntwerp City Campus, strong integration in IOB’s research community, and access to a wide range of courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School. Teleworking may be possible in the initial phase, but candidates should expect to spend significant time at the field site and undertake an exchange/research stay as part of the joint supervision arrangement, including co-supervision by Prof. Alexandre Camargo. The scholarship includes a monthly stipend calculated according to university rates, ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and commuting support.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, History, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline. Prior research experience in qualitative methods and/or historical/archival research is required. Excellent command of Portuguese (for fieldwork) and English (for academic communication) is essential. Interest in 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 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.

Applications must be submitted online by 11 May 2026, including a cover letter, academic CV, writing sample, copies of academic degrees (or proof of expected completion), and a short research proposal (max. 1,500 words). All documents must be 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]. For more information about IOB, visit www.uantwerpen.be/iob. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.