Fully funded PhD Position in European Research Council (ERC) project on well-being trajectories at older people’s end of life

We encourage you to apply if you are a driven and passionate researcher with a

• Master’s degree in epidemiology, sociology, psychology, gerontology, health sciences, or a similar field
• strong motivation to embark on an early-career researcher position and complete a doctoral degree within the foreseen time frame
• good skills in quantitative data analysis (including commonly used statistical analysis programmes) and high motivation to further develop these skills
• High level of written and oral communication skills in Dutch and English; mastery of additional languages commonly spoken in Belgium is an advantage
• Experience in work or research with vulnerable populations is highly appreciated
• Collaborative, team-minded and pro-active attitude
• Excellent self-management and planning skills and ability to work independently

Working in our multidisciplinary research environment has several advantages:

• An engaging and varied job as a researcher on a subject of high societal relevance
• The opportunity to obtain a PhD within a large research project, funded by the European Union, which is expected to deliver groundbreaking scientific findings
• A competitive full-time doctoral scholarship for the duration of 4 years, subject to favorable annual evaluation.
• Effective guidance and supervision provided by experienced researchers
• A pleasant workplace in a large research group with many other early-stage researchers and with many opportunities for professional development

Working at VUB has these additional benefits:

• Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, or compensation if you come by bike;
• Hospitalisation insurance;
• Excellent facilities for sport and exercise;
• Ecocheques;
• Meals at affordable prices in our campus restaurants;
• An open, family-friendly work environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a full-time contract). 

Interested in joining our team?

Send to lara.pivodic@vub.be and at the latest on January 2nd 2024

1. Your CV with a list of the final grades of your Master’s degree
2. A motivation letter
3. A copy of your master thesis. If it is not completed yet, please submit the abstract and at least one full chapter
4. The name, institution and e-mail addresses of at least two referees from your academic and/or professional background who may be contacted for a reference

The selection procedure comprises the following:

1. First screening of applications and shortlist; notification of candidates outside of shortlist
2. For shortlisted candidates: A test of knowledge of research methods and understanding of statistics
3. For candidates invited to next round: interview with project supervisors
4. Final selection and notification of candidates

More information needed?

If you have questions related to this vacancy, you can contact Prof dr Lara Pivodic (lara.pivodic@vub.be).

Please note that the Dutch language requirement is essential for this study, as the PhD candidate will be required to draft all study materials in Dutch and collect data in structured interviews with Dutch-speaking older people.