Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
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 Institute of Development Policy (IOB) is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of economics and development.
Position
- You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of economics and development. The PhD project will use theory and survey experiments to study inequality and poverty.
- This call is part of the FWO project “Aversion to Income and Lifespan Inequality: Theory and Evidence from 16,000 survey participants in 8 Countries” led by professor Olivier Sterck. This project starts from the observations that global inequality is high. It aims to address three important knowledge gaps. First, there is little empirical evidence on the extent to which people dislike inequality in incomes and in lifespan, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Second, knowledge is limited on how people balance inequality within and between groups when inequality affects groups differently (e.g. gender, race). Finally, little is known on how people make trade-offs between incomes and longevity and how this should be incorporated in normative frameworks.
- You will publish scientific articles related to the research project. See https://oliviersterck.wordpress.com/ for example of previous research papers by the PI of this project.
- You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Institute of Development Policy (IOB).
Profile
- You hold a Master degree in economics, development studies, or a related field (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- You can demonstrate an interest and abilities in theoretical modelling in economics and mathematics.
- You have experience working with data on inequality or poverty and have experience with survey experiments.
- You are proficient in spoken and written English.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
- The planned start date is 1st of September 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- You will do most of your work at the Institute of Development Policy (IOB, Stadscampus building S) 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 5 June 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, which should clearly indicate the grades you obtained in your studies and how you satisfy the selection criteria (knowledge, experience, and interest in theoretical modelling in economics, mathematics, data work on inequality or poverty, survey experiments, and proficiency in spoken and written English).
- your academic CV
- a writing sample in English (e.g. your BA or MA dissertation)
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the following dates in your calendar: 23rd June 2025 (selection tests and selection interviews).
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Olivier Sterck, Associate Professor, [email protected].
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.
