Sarah Marchal

The University of Antwerp is offering two full-time doctoral scholarship positions in social policy within the Herman Deleeck Centre of Social Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences. The positions are part of the ERC-funded research project Navigating volatility in different welfare state contexts (VOLARE) , which investigates how social policy design interacts with month-to-month income variability experienced by households and how families adapt to volatile income situations. The PhD research is embedded in a mixed-methods project spanning Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, and Italy. The project combines consecutive monthly income data from more than 240 low- and middle-income families, in-depth interviews on household coping strategies, simulations of likely welfare-state responses using EUROMOD, representative estimates based on national register data, and a survey experiment on how households value income stability. The successful candidate will contribute to the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in socio-economic sciences, publish scientific articles, present at conferences, and help develop a research plan and methods in consultation with the supervisor. Applicants should have, or expect to have by appointment, a Master’s degree in sociology, socioeconomic sciences, economic sciences, or a related discipline. The post requires strong English skills, good to excellent academic results, and a solid background in quantitative and qualitative methods and data analysis. Knowledge of Dutch, Finnish, or Italian is an advantage or a skill the candidate is willing to acquire. Experience with in-depth interviews, microsimulation, or large-scale data analysis is welcome. The role suits a motivated, independent researcher with an interest in social questions, socioeconomic policy, and European welfare states. The scholarship is initially funded for one year and may be renewed after positive evaluation for up to four years in total. The package includes a monthly scholarship in line with doctoral scholarship rates, plus ecocheques, an internet-connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement. Most work will be carried out at the City Campus in Antwerp, within a vibrant international research community. The planned start date is 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp online platform by 13 October 2026 (midnight Brussels time). Candidates must include a motivation letter and academic CV. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected] ; for questions about the position, contact Prof. Sarah Marchal at [email protected] .