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 lead quantitative and comparative research on urban expulsion regimes and housing trajectories among low-income residents in four European cities: Brussels, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Thessaloniki.

EXPULSE investigates how contemporary forms of urban expulsion, particularly housing evictions, are produced, governed, and spatially distributed. The project 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. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative analysis of eviction court data with qualitative interviews and ethnographic fieldwork.

The successful candidate will play a central role in the quantitative and comparative work package, including compiling, cleaning, harmonising, and analysing eviction court datasets across the selected cities. Responsibilities include developing comparative indicators of urban eviction rates, conducting advanced statistical and geospatial analyses (using ArcGIS, SPSS, Stata, Python, or R), mapping and analysing the geographical distribution of eviction patterns, and examining similarities and differences in urban eviction regimes and their socio-spatial impacts. The researcher will integrate quantitative and qualitative findings into a broader comparative framework and contribute to the theoretical development of urban expulsion regimes.

Applicants must 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 and comply with VUB 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. Benefits include extensive homeworking options, telework allowance or internet fee, cost-free hospitalisation insurance, full reimbursement of public transport commute, compensation for bike commute, campus restaurant discounts, excellent sport and exercise facilities, nursery and holiday camp discounts, access to learning platforms and training courses, and generous leave arrangements (35 days, closure between Christmas and New Year, and 3 extra leave days).

To apply, submit your application online via jobs.vub.be by 15 May 2026, including your CV (with 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 and a job interview for shortlisted candidates in early June 2026, where 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].

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