The Department of Sociology at Utrecht University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for the project ‘Family friendly organisational culture in European workplaces and gender (in)equality’. This initiative is part of the Horizon funded programme ‘Reimagining Work and Care: Gender Equality, Couple Dynamics, and Policy Innovation in Europe (REWORC)’, led by King’s College London in collaboration with partners from various European countries including the UK, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, France, and the Netherlands.

The Role

In this postdoctoral position, you will investigate the conditions necessary for fostering a family-friendly organisational culture across European workplaces. Your work will involve assessing the significance of the availability, accessibility, and uptake of family-friendly policies on parents’ work-life balance and wellbeing, while also analyzing how these factors evolve over time. You will utilize data from the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) spanning from 2005 to 2024, as well as the European Sustainable Workforce Survey (ESWS) data from nine European countries, employing a multilevel design that nests employees within teams and organisations. Advanced statistical methods will be applied for data analysis.

You will be responsible for writing research papers and a policy brief. Additionally, you will assist in organizing and conducting scenario analyses regarding potential future developments in organisational family-friendly policies with relevant stakeholders. You will be part of the Horizon REWORC project research team and actively participate in team meetings. The position is based in the Department of Sociology at Utrecht University and is also affiliated with the UU Future of Work Platform. Teaching responsibilities within the Department of Sociology may be included, depending on your profile (0.1 FTE).

Requirements

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Recently completed a PhD in sociology or a related social science, ideally on topics relevant to the research themes of this project.
• Strong quantitative research skills and analytical expertise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with a proven ability to produce publishable empirical research outputs.
• Effective verbal communication skills, capable of clearly presenting quantitative findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team, along with coordination skills for organizing scenario analyses.

What We Offer

• A temporary contract until 31-07-2030.
• A working week of 36 - 40 hours, with a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,706 to €6,682 for full-time employment (salary scale 10/11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• 8% holiday pay and an annual bonus of 8.3%.
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment outlined in the CAO NU, Utrecht University provides various schemes for professional development, different types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also customize your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model, encouraging ongoing investment in your personal and professional growth. More information can be found on the Utrecht University website.

About Us

Utrecht University is dedicated to creating a better future for everyone, motivating our scientists to conduct leading research and inspiring teaching. The university promotes collaboration across various disciplines to address major strategic themes such as Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability. Our faculty is one of the leading institutions in Europe, providing research and academic teaching in multiple social sciences, with nearly 7,000 students enrolled in diverse undergraduate and graduate programs.

The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park, close to the historic city center of Utrecht.

More Information

For inquiries, please contact Tanja van der Lippe at a.g.vanderlippe@uu.nl.

Apply Now

At Utrecht University, we strive to create an inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere for everyone. If you have questions about accessibility, the application process, or your work environment, please reach out to us via our HR contact page.

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To apply, please submit your CV along with a motivation letter using the ‘apply now’ button.

Please note that international candidates requiring a visa/work permit for the Netherlands should allow at least four months for processing after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk can assist with questions about living in the Netherlands. Candidates are responsible for finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht. For general inquiries about working and living in the Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Interviews will take place on Friday, October 9. The preferred start date is February 1, 2027.