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Postdoctoral Researcher in Singlehood and Social Inequality (SINGLE ERC project) Centre for Demographic Studies in Spain
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 2, 2026
Country
Spain
University
Centre for Demographic Studies
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About this position
The Centre for Demographic Studies (CED) is hiring a quantitative postdoctoral researcher to join the ERC-funded SINGLE project, “Understanding the Demography and Stratification of Singlehood in Europe,” led by Dr Ariane Ophir. The position is based at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona campus, near Barcelona, and is embedded in a research environment focused on demographic analysis, social stratification, and comparative social science.
The project examines singlehood as a major social phenomenon across Europe, bringing together two connected themes: the demography of singlehood and the stratification of singlehood. The research addresses trends, patterns, selection, terminology, and the ways in which social inequality is reproduced or reduced among single people across social, economic, health, and interpersonal outcomes. A central feature of the project is its comparative orientation, with attention to how context such as time, country, culture, and policy shapes outcomes among singles.
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute quantitative expertise to a project that combines large-scale secondary data with an original multi-country survey. The secondary data sources mentioned include major comparative datasets and time-use data, while the survey will be designed to advance new concepts and measures for understanding contemporary singlehood. The successful candidate will work with the PI, external survey methodology consultants, the survey company, and other research staff, contributing to the intellectual development of the survey and its implementation.
The role includes co-authoring peer-reviewed publications with the PI, developing independent research within the project, and participating in the broader scholarly life of the SINGLE team and the CED research community. The position is especially suitable for a quantitative social scientist interested in demographic behaviors, life-course transitions, partnership and marriage, and the social consequences of singlehood, and for someone who wants to help shape a comparative research agenda with both secondary data and original data collection.
The appointment is full-time for three years, with the possibility of extension through the end of the grant. Work is based in Barcelona, with some home-working flexibility, and the project includes support for conferences, training, and professional development.
Funding details
Available
What's required
PhD in Sociology, Demography, or a related social science field; demonstrated research expertise related to singlehood or closely related demographic, life-course, or partnership research; strong motivation to study singlehood as a substantive social phenomenon related to social inequality; strong statistical and data skills, preferably with large-scale, complex, nationally representative data; experience contributing to original quantitative data collection; excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Nice to have: academic curiosity and breadth, experience with cross-national quantitative research, and knowledge of a European language; Spanish or Catalan is helpful for life in Barcelona.
How to apply
Submit the application materials as PDF files in English through the application form. Include an academic CV, a cover letter, a writing sample, and later provide two referees if shortlisted.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.