Do you have a background in the social sciences and an interest in the topic of labour market discrimination? Are you enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team and develop research based on cutting-edge experimental methods? Join us as a postdoctoral researcher at Utrecht University!

Your job

The overarching aim of the project is to investigate why and to what extent ethnic, racial, and religious minorities are structurally exposed to discriminatory behaviour in the Dutch labour market. Moreover, the project examines whether and how this continuous exposure to prejudice and discrimination accumulates at the intersection of stigmatised identities and over the life course.
You will work at the European Research Centre on Migration and Ethnic Relations (ERCOMER) at the department of Interdisciplinary Social Science. ERCOMER has a strong research track record in interethnic relations with a particular focus on international migration and immigrant integration, ethnic discrimination, ethnic identity formation and interethnic networks, attitudes towards immigrants and immigration. It is part of the Dutch research school Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS).
You will be responsible for the development of the research design, in collaboration with the other team members, and for the coordination of the data collection. You will also be involved in the organisation of team meetings and take on project management tasks in collaboration with the local project coordinator.
The core tasks invlude:

• contributing to the design and implementation of field experiments on labour market discrimination;
• organising and coordinating the data collection together with the rest of the team;
• analysing and reporting the results in research reports and peer-reviewed journals;
• presenting results at stakeholder event and academic conferences;
• performing administrative tasks and project management.

You will work in close collaboration with Dr Stefanie Sprong at Utrecht University and Dr Bram Lancee and Dr Eva Zschirnt at the University of Amsterdam.

Your qualities

A high degree of independence and responsibility is expected from the postdoc. Essential qualification are:

• a doctoral degree in the social sciences or related disciplines - candidates who are close to completing their Ph D will be considered, but preference will be given to candidates who have already obtained their doctorate;
• a track record appropriate to the stage of their career, and an obvious curiosity and enthusiasm for academic research;
• a professional attitude and conduct that includes organisational sensitivity, research integrity, pragmatism, excellent communication and organisational skills;
• experience in quantitative research methods and skills in data analysis (Stata or comparable software).
• independent thinking and a hands-on mentality;
• a collaborative attitude and teamwork orientation;
• proficiency in English and Dutch.

Desirable qualifications are:

• experience in programming languages, such as Python;
• project management experience;
• expertise in research in the field of prejudice, discrimination and immigrant integration.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position for one year;
• a working week of 30-32 hours, with the possibility to increase this to a full-time position with teaching tasks, based on experience;
• a gross monthly salary between €3,345 and €5,278 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
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 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 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 faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

More information

For more information, please contact Stefanie Sprong at s.l.sprong@uu.nl.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
The first round of interviews takes place in the morning of Thursday 14 November and the afternoon of Friday 15 November. Our preferred start date is early January 2025.