The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 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 6000 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.
The Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Social Sciences is looking for a part-time (80%-100%)
gastlector (postdoctoral researcher) in the field of sociology of climate change
Position
- The position contributes to the ongoing ERC funded project “REIMAGINE. Understanding the Role of Economic Imagination for Advancing Decarbonization in Europe”
- You will join an international, dynamic research team investigating contested societal responses to climate change.
- The role combines research with limited teaching and research management responsibilities
Research
- In collaboration with other team members, you will conduct fieldwork and interviews.
- You will develop and carry out your own research project on a related topic.
- You will write and publish articles in international peer-reviewed journals.
- You will present your research at national and international academic conferences.
Teaching
- Starting in the second year of your appointment, you will teach two courses in the Bachelor’s and/or Master’s program in Sociology. This may include lectures in sociological theory for Bachelor students, taught in Dutch.
- You will supervise a limited number of Master’s theses.
Research Management
- You will support the Principal Investigator in the administration and management of the REIMAGINE project.
- You will gain experience in managing an ERC-funded research project.
- You will assist in supervising PhD students and other team members.
- You will contribute to the coordination of project proposals and help attract external funding.
Profile
- You hold a PhD in sociology or a closely related discipline, or will have obtained it before the start of the contract.
- You possess broad expertise in sociological theory; expertise in economic sociology or cultural sociology is a plus.
- You demonstrate a strong interest in climate change and sustainable transformation.
- You have excellent language skills in English, Dutch, and at least one additional European language.
- You have practical experience with qualitative research methods, particularly expert interviews or focus groups; Familiarity with quantitative analysis and coding languages (e.g., R, Python, Stata) is a plus.
- You have a proven track record of publishing in international, peer-reviewed journals.
- You have demonstrable experience in organizing and teaching academic courses.
- Your teaching competencies align with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- You are reliable, capable of working independently, and demonstrate initiative.
- You possess strong organizational and communication skills.
- Experience in project management is considered an advantage.
- Experience with research data management, including data documentation, storage, and sharing practices, is considered an asset.
- You act with a commitment to quality, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.
What we offer
- We offer an appointment as a gastlector (postdoctoral researcher) for a period of two years; The position is part-time (80%) in the first academic year and full time (100%) from the second year on.
- There is an option for the contract to be prolongated for additional two years, upon positive assessment.
- Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP). If you work part time, your salary is calculated proportionally on the basis of your employment percentage.
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- The planned start date is November 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
- You will do most of your work at Stadscampus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including August 27, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- A motivation letter
- Your academic CV
- A research proposal for a two-year project (max. 2 pages)
- A copy of your Master and PhD certificate
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
The selection interviews will take place on September 11. - If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Dr. Lisa Suckert, lisa.suckert@uantwerpen.be
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
