PhD in Contextual (Dis)advantage and Educational Inequality at Utrecht University, Netherlands (Fully Funded PhD Position) – Apply by August 12, 2026
Overview
Utrecht University is offering a fully funded four-year PhD position in Contextual (Dis)advantage and Educational Inequality in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. The project asks how family, neighbourhood and school environments interact to shape children's educational success, and whether an advantage in one setting can offset a disadvantage in another or whether disadvantages accumulate. It uses Dutch administrative register data, large-scale datasets, quasi-experimental designs, quantitative analysis and simulation methods, looking at socio-economic and ethnic inequality, social mobility and stratification.
The PhD candidate reviews the literature, develops research questions, analyses complex data, publishes in international journals and completes a dissertation, presents at conferences, workshops and seminars, takes part in departmental life and teaches for up to 10 percent of the appointment.
Who can apply
Applicants should have a completed or nearly completed Master's degree in sociology, interdisciplinary social science or a related field, with a strong interest in socio-economic and ethnic inequality and educational research and an interest in quantitative social science. Experience with advanced quantitative methods and large datasets, strong statistics, excellent English and good scientific writing and presentation skills are advantages, as is reading Dutch. International candidates are welcome, but visa processing can take at least four months after selection, and applicants arrange their own accommodation.
What you get
The full-time post (36 to 40 hours per week) starts with a one-year contract extended to four years after a positive assessment. Gross monthly salary rises from 3,204 euros in the first year to 4,051 euros in the fourth. Benefits include an 8 percent holiday allowance, an 8.3 percent end-of-year bonus, a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible working, professional development, sports and cultural activities and the university's Terms of Employment Options Model.
How to apply
Applicants submit a CV, a letter of motivation, an overview of Master's courses and Master's grades through the university's online system. Selection includes shortlisting and first-round interviews, and knowledge security screening may apply.
Key dates
The deadline is 12 August 2026. First-round interviews are on 21 August 2026, and the preferred start is September or October 2026.