PhD researcher – Research on return migration and reintegration processes – Ghent University

Vacancy PhD researcher (100%) –  Research on return migration and reintegration processes – Ghent University

Last application date:   July 14th 2019
Department:   PP04 – Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy (Ghent) / United Nations University – CRIS (Bruges)
Contract:   Limited duration (3 years), with possible extension to 4 years
Degree:   Master’s degree in Social Work or a Master’s degree in Educational Sciences or an equivalent degree in Social Sciences
Occupation rate:   100%
Vacancy Type:  Research staff

Job description
For a research project on return and reintegration processes, more specifically on returnees’ experience and community perceptions regarding force and choice in return migration processes to Ukraine, we are recruiting a full-time PhD researcher. This research will follow different types of returning migrants (assisted, forced, independent returnees) who will be mainly recruited in Belgium, in their return process back to their country of origin, Ukraine. A mixed-methods approach of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods will be applied, using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The research is guided by Prof. Ine Lietaert (supervisor) and prof. Ilse Derluyn (co-supervisor) and should result in a PhD thesis in Social Work.
The candidate is offered a full-time research scholarship for three years, with possible extension to four years. Remuneration is at the level of a full-time research assistant at a Flemish university (i.e., approximately € 2.000 net per month; see for further information: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch ).
The PhD candidate will be included in and supported by the Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy and the Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees (Ghent University) and the United Nations University – CRIS (Bruges). The candidate will follow the PhD training programme of the doctoral schools at UGent and will take up some teaching and administrative assignments in both departments. Office space and equipment will be provided together with a budget for travelling and other research-related expenses.
The appointment starts the 1st of October 2019.

Profile of the candidate
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated PhD researcher with the following profile:

–  hold a Master’s degree in Social Work or a Master’s degree in Educational Sciences or an equivalent degree in Social Sciences. The degree requirements need to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment;
–  familiarity with the Ukrainian context and language is an important asset.
–  thorough knowledge of the relevant academic literature and affinity with the topic of migration, for example through work experiences, internships, papers,…;
–  affinity with doing research, both qualitative and quantitative;
–  excellent communication skills (both of written and oral English language) and organizational skills;
–  being able to work independently and show initiative and flexibility;
–  being able to work in team;
–  willing to travel to / in Ukraine and in Europe;

How to apply
The PhD candidate will be selected on the basis of his/her profile (qualification, experiences and expertise) and the quality of the expected one-page reflection on the research topic.

Interested candidates should send
–  their CV (including an overview of study results);
–  a one-page reflection on the research topic, illustrating his/her knowledge of the relevant academic literature on the topic;
–  a one-page motivation letter explaining his/her interest in pursuing a PhD on the presented topic;
–  electronic copies of possible relevant publications (e.g., master thesis, academic report or article).

All documents need to be written in English. The different application documents should be consolidated into one single PDF-file. This file should be sent to Ine.Lietaert@UGent.be the latest by July 14th, 2019.

Short-listed candidates will be informed by early August and will subsequently be invited for an interview. The successful candidate is expected to start on October 1st 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter.

For more information about this vacancy, contact Prof. Ine Lietaert: Ine.Lietaert@UGent.be