PhD: Contextual (dis)advantage and educational inequality

PhD: Contextual (dis)advantage and educational inequality

• Faculty:
• Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
• Department:
• Social Sciences
• Hours per week:
• 36 to 40
• Application deadline:

Growing up in (dis)advantaged contexts, such as families, neighbourhoods or schools, has lasting consequences for educational success and life chances. But contexts are interlinked, and (dis)advantages in one domain may offset or amplify those in another. Prior research has largely treated single contexts in isolation, this project foregrounds possible interlinkages between them. It will study how children select into contexts and how different contexts affect educational outcomes and inequality, using Dutch register data, quasi-experimental designs, and simulation methods.

Your job

The PhD project will be carried out at the Department of Sociology of Utrecht University and consists of the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Conducting the research (literature review, analysing data, reporting results) resulting in international scientific publications and a dissertation;
• Presenting at national and international conferences;
• Active participation in activities of the department;
• Teaching (max. 10% of your time).

Your qualities

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate, who

• has (almost) finished a Master programme in Sociology, Interdisciplinary Social Science, or a related field;
• has strong affinity with the study of socio-economic and ethnic inequality;
• has experience with advanced quantitative methods (or is motivated to learn);
• ideally has experience with large-scale, complex data sets;
• affinity with teaching could be considered an asset;
• enjoys doing research and reporting the results in scientific articles;
• wants to share scientific knowledge with the general public;
• has good social and organizational skills and is creative;
• has good writing and presentation skills in English (and preferably also reading proficiency in Dutch).

Our offer

• a job for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,204 in the first year and €4,051 in the fourth year in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P 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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. 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 Dieuwke Zwier by d.zwier@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

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.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation and an overview of the courses you took and the grades you received during your Master programme via the ‘apply now’ button.

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.

The first round of interviews will be held on August 21, with a preferred starting date of September or October 2026.

The application deadline is 12 August 2026.