Tuba Bircan
5 months ago
This position has expired. You can find similar positions from the section below or browse our positions listing pages.
PhD Scholarship in Sociology: AI, Social Inequalities, and Quantitative Methods Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Expired
Country
Belgium
University
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Suggested positions
Keywords
About this position
The Faculty of Social Sciences & Solvay Business School at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sociology, and the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies invite applications for a PhD-student position with a doctoral grant. This six-year doctoral trajectory includes a teaching component (approximately 30% of workload) and a research component (approximately 70%). The teaching duties involve supporting and assisting statistical and quantitative courses within the Bachelor of Sociology, making a strong affinity with quantitative methods essential. As the program is taught in Dutch, proficiency in Dutch is required at the start of the appointment.
The research focus is at the intersection of sociology, artificial intelligence, and social inequalities. The PhD project will explore how AI systems shape, reproduce, or challenge inequalities across domains such as public services, labour markets, education, and migration governance. Potential research topics include algorithmic bias and fairness, trust in AI, data-driven decision-making in public institutions, societal implications of AI deployment, and the ethically and socially responsible use of AI for socio-political challenges. Both quantitative and computational approaches are welcome, with openness to mixed methods designs.
Applicants will be expected to develop a PhD research topic at the start of the appointment, which should be submitted to the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) as part of an application for a ‘Fellowship fundamental research’. Guidance will be provided by the supervisor, Professor Tuba Bircan, and experienced colleagues within a dynamic research environment focused on digitalisation and society. The Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) will serve as the home base for this position.
Funding is available through a doctoral grant for six years, including salary and teaching responsibilities. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Dutch, strong quantitative skills, and a relevant academic background in sociology or related fields. The application process requires submission via the university's online portal and preparation of a research proposal for FWO fellowship consideration.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must have a strong affinity with quantitative methods and proficiency in Dutch at the start of the appointment. A relevant academic background in sociology, social sciences, or related fields is required. Both quantitative and computational approaches are welcome, and openness to mixed methods designs is expected. Candidates should be prepared to develop a PhD research topic and submit it to the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for a Fellowship fundamental research application.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Prof. Dr.
Belgium
Research Interests
Human Geography
Artificial Intelligence
International Migration
Migration Ecology
Asylum Studies
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.