FWO PhD Scholarship

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in Sociology based in Brussels, Belgium, within the Faculty of Social Sciences & Solvay Business School and the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies (BRISPO).

This PhD sits at the intersection of Sociology, Artificial Intelligence, Social Inequalities, Data and Society, and Public Policy. Suggested research directions include algorithmic bias and fairness, AI and data-driven decision making, AI in public services, AI and labour market inequalities, AI and education, AI in migration governance, trust in artificial intelligence, ethical and responsible AI, and digital technologies and social change. Applicants are encouraged to develop their own innovative proposal within these themes.

The position involves doctoral research, developing a competitive PhD proposal for the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO), supporting teaching activities in Sociology, assisting in quantitative and statistical courses, supervising and supporting students, participating in departmental activities, and publishing and presenting research findings.

Eligibility is aimed at candidates with a master’s degree in Sociology, Statistics, Demography, Economics, Political Science, Data Science, Communication Science, Computational Social Science, or a related social science field. The call specifically asks for excellent Dutch and English language skills, strong quantitative and statistical interest, interest in AI and its societal impact, intellectual curiosity, and research motivation. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Funding is described as a fully funded PhD scholarship for up to 6 years. The application deadline is 15 June 2026, with interviews expected between 22–26 June 2026 and a start date of 15 September 2026.

To apply, submit a CV, motivation letter, degree certificate and transcripts, and a one-page research topic outline related to AI, Sociology, and Social Inequalities via the VUB job portal.