The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in Sociology, focusing on ethnoracial educational inequality in Europe. This position is based within the Faculty of Social Sciences & Solvay Business School, Department of Sociology, and affiliated with the BRISPO Research Group. The planned start date for the position is 1 May 2026. Working at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for the values of freedom, equality, and solidarity, principles that are deeply embedded in its academic culture. With approximately 4,000 employees, the VUB is the largest Dutch-speaking private-sector employer in Brussels, an international and multicultural city where its four campuses are located. The university is characterised by its commitment to free research, critical thinking, intellectual independence, and societal engagement. Researchers and staff are encouraged to approach scientific and social challenges with creativity, openness, and reflexivity. The VUB is also a proud member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities working collaboratively to rethink and reinvent higher education and research across Europe. Position Description and Research Focus The PhD position addresses the persistent issue of ethnoracial inequality in secondary education across Europe. Despite ongoing efforts to promote equity and inclusion, racialised students continue to face structural barriers that negatively affect educational outcomes and well-being. While existing research highlights factors such as socio-economic inequality, language barriers, teacher expectations, and school policies, critical perspectives on racism and whiteness remain underdeveloped in continental European education research. In contrast to the United States and the United Kingdom, where such approaches are well established, Europe lacks systematic multilevel analyses in this field. This doctoral research aims to fill that gap by: Examining how racism and whiteness shape education systems in Europe Applying a multilevel comparative approach across national systems, schools, and individuals Using critical quantitative methodologies, including QuantCrit and CritQuant The PhD candidate will prepare a doctoral dissertation in Sociology under the supervision of Prof. Fanny D’hondt and Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe. The research is embedded in two major projects: A VUB-BOF project on unpacking ethnoracial educational inequality The ERC Consolidator project MARIS, focusing on racism and social mobility at the societal level The Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) will serve as the candidate’s home base. Candidate Profile The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate strong academic foundations, methodological expertise, and a clear research interest in educational inequality. Essential qualifications and attributes include: A Master’s degree in social sciences, with a strong sociological orientation An excellent academic record, demonstrated by high grades Strong interest in the sociology of education and/or race and ethnicity Advanced quantitative and statistical skills, including multilevel and multivariate regression analysis Motivation to further develop critical quantitative approaches Willingness to collaborate, co-write, and co-publish in high-impact academic journals Strong written and spoken English proficiency Excellent communication and teamwork skills An international mindset and ability to work in diverse research environments Compliance with VUB residence and work permit requirements (for EEA and non-EEA nationals) The VUB is committed to diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Scholarship Offer and Working Conditions The selected candidate will be offered a full-time PhD scholarship initially for 12 months, extendable up to a maximum of 48 months, subject to positive annual evaluations. Key elements of the offer include: Competitive doctoral grant aligned with government salary scales Expectation to apply for external funding during the PhD, with supervisory support A dynamic and stimulating research environment at BRISPO Extensive teleworking options, including a monthly telework or internet allowance Strong work–life balance, including 35 days of leave, year-end closure, and additional leave days Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs or bicycle compensation Affordable campus dining, sports facilities, childcare services, and employee discounts Continuous learning opportunities through VUB training platforms A collaborative, open, and supportive academic community Enrolment as a doctoral student at the VUB is a formal condition for the scholarship. Application Process Interested candidates must apply no later than 22 February 2026 via job.vubs.be (vacancy to be published shortly). Required documents include: A concise curriculum vitae, including a clear overview of statistical expertise A motivation statement in English A copy or extended summary of the Master’s thesis Detailed academic transcripts A copy of the diploma (not required for VUB alumni) Selection process: Initial screening based on application files Online or in-person interviews during the first week of March 2026 For questions regarding the research position, candidates may contact Prof. Fanny D’hondt at Fanny.Lieve.Dhondt@vub.be. DOWNLOAD THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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