Tuba Bircan

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.

PhD Scholarship in Sociology at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Belgium, focused on the intersection of sociology , artificial intelligence , social inequalities , and data-driven research. The position is based in the Faculty of Social Sciences & Solvay Business School and linked to the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies . The advertised research themes include AI and society , algorithmic bias and fairness , AI in public services , labour markets and migration governance , trust in AI systems , and digital inequalities . This is a fully funded PhD opportunity with a full-time workload split between 70% research and 30% teaching in quantitative/statistical sociology courses. The post also mentions support for developing an independent PhD proposal for FWO funding . Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree in Sociology or a related field , strong interest in quantitative methods and AI , excellent Dutch and English skills, and interest in mixed methods and social research. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Benefits listed include hybrid/homeworking options, 35 vacation days plus holiday closure, free hospitalization insurance, public transport reimbursement, bike compensation, affordable campus meals, sports facilities and discounts, and childcare support near campus. Application deadline: 15 June 2026 . Start date: 15 September 2026 . Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, diploma and transcripts, and a 1-page research idea related to AI and inequality. Apply via the VUB Jobs Portal.