Fully Funded PhD Opportunity on Welfare States, Migration & Social Inequality | Utrecht University

Fully Funded PhD Opportunity on Welfare States, Migration & Social Inequality | Utrecht University

Utrecht University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position titled "How Welfare States Create and Reinforce Social Deficits of Migrants" within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Social Sciences. This interdisciplinary doctoral project is ideal for candidates interested in Migration Studies, Sociology, Social Policy, Political Science, Public Policy, and Social Sciences.

The project explores how welfare-state institutions and migrants' social networks interact to shape social inequalities, offering an excellent opportunity to contribute to internationally relevant research on migration, welfare, and social inclusion.

Position Details

• Position: PhD Candidate

• Research Area: Welfare States, Migration & Social Inequality

• Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

• Department: Social Sciences

• Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

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

About the Research Project

Migrants' social networks are often viewed as important sources of support that complement formal welfare systems. However, this PhD project investigates a different perspective—how these same networks can also reinforce social deficits through pressures, stigma, misinformation, and other mechanisms that may limit migrants' economic and social opportunities.

The research aims to generate new insights into the relationship between welfare institutions, migration, and social inequality, contributing to policy discussions on integration and social protection.

Research Responsibilities

The selected PhD candidate will:

• Conduct independent doctoral research on migration, welfare states, and social inequality.

• Design and implement qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Analyse data related to migration, welfare systems, and social networks.

• Publish findings in leading academic journals.

• Present research at international conferences and workshops.

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team.

• Contribute to teaching and other academic activities where appropriate.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should possess:

• A Master's degree in Sociology, Social Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Migration Studies, Anthropology, or a related discipline.

• Strong interest in migration, welfare state research, and social inequality.

• Excellent research, analytical, and academic writing skills.

• Proficiency in English.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating within an international research environment.

Why Apply?

This PhD position offers candidates the opportunity to:

• Join one of Europe's leading research universities.

• Work on an internationally significant research project.

• Receive advanced research training and mentorship.

• Publish in internationally recognized journals.

• Build a strong academic career in migration and social policy research.

Application Deadline

16 August 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application 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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