Postdoctoral Scholarship in Social Sciences

University of Antwerp

Belgium

Position Summary

Department: Department of Political Science
Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
Institution: University of Antwerp
Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
Position Type: Doctoral Scholarship Holder (PhD Researcher)
Field: Lobbying and EU Public Policy
Planned Start Date: 1 November 2026

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university.

We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society.

We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day.

Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

About the Position

The Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of lobbying and EU public policy.

This PhD project focuses on interest group mobilization across the EU policy cycle and is embedded in a collaborative and internationally oriented research environment with strong expertise in:

EU Politics
Interest Groups
Public Policy Analysis

Under the supervision of:

Dr. Frederik Stevens (Politics and Public Governance)
Prof. Peter Bursens
Prof. Dirk De Bièvre (International Politics)

you will study how interest groups strategise, gain access and exert influence across different stages of the EU policy process.

Position Responsibilities

Doctoral Research

Work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in Political Science.
Conduct research on interest group mobilization across the EU policy cycle.
Study how interest groups:
- Strategise
- Gain access
- Exert influence throughout the EU policy process
Gradually develop independence in designing and executing research.
Benefit from close supervision, structured feedback and integration into ongoing research activities.

Scientific Publications

Publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Teaching and Research Support

Carry out a limited number of teaching support tasks.
Carry out a limited number of research support tasks for the Department of Political Science.

Research Funding

Prepare and submit an FWO PhD fellowship application within the first year of the appointment.
Collaborate closely with the supervisory team during the application process.

Profile

Essential Requirements

Educational Background

Master’s degree in:
- Political Science
- European Studies
- Public Policy
- Or a closely related field

Candidates who will obtain their degree before the start date are also eligible.

Academic Excellence

Demonstrated excellent academic performance during studies.

Research Interests

Strong interest in:
- Lobbying
- EU Politics
- Public Policy Research

Language Skills

Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Teaching and Research Competencies

Teaching competences in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
Research qualities in line with faculty and university research policies.

Technical Skills

Willingness to develop skills in quantitative data analysis tools such as:
- Stata
- R

Strong Assets

Subject Knowledge

Familiarity with:
- Lobbying
- EU Institutions
- Public Policy Processes

Research Methods

Experience with:
- Quantitative Methods
- Qualitative Methods
- Or both

Methodological Skills

Comfortable with, or demonstrates strong potential for, mixed-methods research.

What We Offer

Scholarship Duration

Initial doctoral scholarship for one year.
Following positive evaluation, renewable annually.
Maximum total duration: four years.

Financial Support

Monthly scholarship according to doctoral scholarship holder scales.
Ecocheques.
Internet-connectivity allowance.
Bicycle allowance.
Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.

Doctoral Training

As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to:

A wide range of doctoral courses.
Educational credits through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

Working Environment

Based primarily at City Campus.
Integrated into:
- Politics & Public Governance Research Group
- International Politics Research Group
Dynamic and stimulating academic environment.