PhD Position: Institute of Development Policy (IOB, U Antwerp, Belgium)

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The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) of the University of Antwerp wants to contribute to a more just and sustainable world through multidisciplinary academic research, education, partnerships and political engagement. More information about the institute and its activities can be found at www.uantwerp.be/iob.

The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy for an

Academic assistant in the area of “migration, trade and inclusive development”

Job description

  • Your research and societal service delivery is situated in the field of development processes, actors and policies, with particular attention to economic development and empirical work on migration and/or trade shocks in developing countries. Your research focus matches the research line “Global governance and inclusive development”.
  • Your research discusses the causes and consequences of migration or trade shocks in developing countries, with a strong emphasis on causal identification. A quantitative background together with some experience in dealing with micro-level data (household, firm, farms,…) and satellite-based and/or geo-referenced data would be an asset.
  • You prepare a doctoral thesis in development studies in this domain (appr. 50% of your time).
  • You contribute to the strengthening of the research line, i.a. through joint research and outreach activities and collaborating in applications for externally funded research grants.
  • You assist in teaching assignments within the framework of the IOB master programs.
  • Your research adopts a multidisciplinary perspective and uses a combination of quantitative (and, preferably, also qualitative) methods, in accordance with the IOB Research Strategy 2017-2022.
  • IOB PhD regulations allow joint or double PhDs degrees.
  • Your work includes activities of societal outreach.
  • You actively support the cooperation of IOB with its partner institutes in the South.
  • You function well in groups and you are willing to contribute to the service delivery to IOB, to the University of Antwerp and the wider society.

Profile and requirements

  • You hold a master degree in development studies or in related social science disciplines (preferably with a proven interest in regression and big data analysis).
  • You obtained outstanding academic results.
  • You preferably have experience with development processes in the South.
  • You show interest in interdisciplinarity and preferably engage with a combination of methodological approaches.
  • The focus in your teaching corresponds to the educational vision of the university.
  • Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
  • You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, social and cooperative.
  • You are fluent in English.

We offer

  • an appointment as an academic assistant for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal twice, each time for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;
  • the date of appointment will be 1 September 2019;
  • a full time gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.338,21 tot € 5.649,28;
  • a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

How to apply?

  • Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date 24 March 2019.
  • The application must be completed with a PhD research proposal (appr. 1000 words) and an argument (appr. 500 words) how this proposal can strengthen the profile of the research line and of the IOB in general. This document must be submitted in English.
  • A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel. The selection interview will take place on 7 May 2019.
  • More information about the application form can be obtained at .
  • For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact prof. dr. Jean-Francois Maystadt ().

The University of Antwerp is a family friendly organization, with a focus on equal opportunities and diversity. Our HR-policy for researchers was awarded by the European Commission with the quality label HR Excellence in research.

We support the Science4Refugees initiative and encourage asylum-seeking, refugee scientists and researchers to apply for a job at the University of Antwerp.