Doctoral scholarship holder political science and public administration

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of political science and public administration.

Position

• You will prepare a PhD thesis with a historical focus on how citizen-state relationships and encounters have evolved over time as levels of bureaucratization and digitalization have increased.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, History, Sociology, or equivalent, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You have an affinity for studying public sector organizations and bureaucratic complexity.
• Having an affinity for historical approaches is an advantage.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
• C-level Dutch to perform the necessary fieldwork. A command of French is an additional strength.

What we offer

• We offer a one-year doctoral scholarship. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another three-year period.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2026.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
• You will receive Eco cheques, an Internet connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance, or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at the City Campus in a dynamic, stimulating environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 17 August 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • A motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • A brief research proposal of 2 pages outlining a suggestion for a theoretical and methodological approach to study bureaucratization and the state.
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Professor Wouter Van Dooren ([email protected]) or Dr. Bjorn Kleizen ([email protected])

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.