Postdoctoral Researcher for the project ‘Resources, Intersectionality and Institutions: Determinants of Benefit Dependency’ (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)

• how various resources (economic, social and cultural capital, plus the combination of health and appearance) affect benefit dependency;
• whether differences in resources explain the relationship between the intersection of age, gender and ethnic background and benefit dependency, and
• whether institutions and the policy context affect the (intersectional) relationship between resources and benefit dependency.

These issues will be investigated through advanced quantitative analyses of a combination of large-scale administrative data and (partly new) surveys. The Postdoc will be part of a small but dedicated team (including a PhD student). S/he will focus specifically on the third research issue, and on the dissemination of the project outcomes to academic and non-academic audiences (including policy makers). The vacant position includes some educational tasks within the Department of Sociology (0.1-0.3 FTE).

We are looking for a Researcher with a quantitative background, who recently finished his/her PhD in sociology or a related social science, preferably on a theme linked to the project’s research topics (e.g. social inequality, sociology of health, social network analysis, social security and labour market issues).

Furthermore your suitability is ideally exemplified by:

• affinity with theory-driven empirical research;
• experience with analyzing large scale administrative data and conducting survey research;
• knowledge of the labour market and social security systems, especially in The Netherlands;
• a proven track record in writing for (non)academic audiences and policy makers;
• proficiency in Dutch (CEFR level C1 or C2).

We offer a temporary position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for four years. The gross salary starts at €3,746 (scale 11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht is a young and vibrant city with a large academic population, around 30 minutes south of Amsterdam. It combines a beautiful old city centre with a modern university. Utrecht has an excellent quality of life, with plenty of green space and a strong bicycle culture.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 6,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has about 850 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. 

The Sociology department is one of the oldest and largest in the Netherlands, conducting research on and teaching a wide array of sociological themes, such as social inequality, crime, migration and integration, social networks, policy and organization, cooperative relationships, families and work.

Please note: Due to the current situation regarding the Corona virus (COVID-19) the process of selection and interviews may be subject to change.