Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Educational Inequality | Utrecht University, Netherlands

Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Educational Inequality | Utrecht University, Netherlands

Utrecht University has invited applications for a fully funded PhD position titled "Contextual (Dis)advantage and Educational Inequality" within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. This exciting doctoral opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in education, sociology, social sciences, public policy, and quantitative research methods.

The project explores how family, neighbourhood, and school environments interact to influence children's educational outcomes and long-term life opportunities.

Position Details

• Position: PhD Candidate

• Research Area: Contextual (Dis)advantage and Educational Inequality

• Faculty: Social and Behavioural Sciences

• Department: Social Sciences

• Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

• Employment: Full-Time (36–40 hours per week)

About the Research Project

The PhD project investigates how different social contexts—including families, neighbourhoods, and schools—shape educational success and inequality. Unlike previous studies that examine these environments separately, this research focuses on their interconnections and combined influence on children's life trajectories.

Using Dutch population register data, quasi-experimental research designs, and advanced simulation methods, the project aims to generate new insights into educational inequality and social mobility.

Research Responsibilities

The selected PhD candidate will:

• Conduct independent research on educational inequality and contextual disadvantage.

• Analyse large-scale Dutch administrative and register datasets.

• Apply quantitative and quasi-experimental research methods.

• Develop simulation models to study educational outcomes.

• Publish research findings in leading international journals.

• Present research at academic conferences and seminars.

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• A Master's degree in Sociology, Social Sciences, Education, Public Policy, Economics, Psychology, or a related discipline.

• Strong interest in educational inequality, social mobility, and quantitative social science research.

• Experience with statistical analysis or quantitative research methods.

• Excellent analytical, research, and communication skills.

• Strong command of written and spoken English.

Why Apply?

This PhD position offers an opportunity to:

• Join one of Europe's leading research universities.

• Work on a high-impact project addressing educational inequality.

• Gain expertise in advanced quantitative and simulation methods.

• Collaborate with internationally recognized researchers.

• Build a strong academic profile through publications and conference presentations.

• Contribute to research with significant societal and policy relevance.

Application Deadline

12 August 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Utrecht University recruitment portal before the application deadline.

Official Website

https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university

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