Post-doc researcher TransParent (Belgium)

About the role

Ghent University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, is recruiting one post-doc researcher for the ERC-funded TransParent project, based in Belgium. The project uses a longitudinal, mixed-methods, multi-country design to study the lived experiences, wellbeing and transnational parenting practices of 'staying-behind' parents and siblings in Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan and Nigeria, together with family reunification of returning minors and young separated minors in foster care in Belgium. The project runs for five years.

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with the principal investigator, the other post-doc researcher and three PhD students, sharing data and analyses and collaborating across disciplines.
• Lead the Belgian study, a mixed-methods longitudinal study of 'staying-behind' parents of unaccompanied refugee children in foster care families in Belgium.
• Contribute to a longitudinal study on children returning to their families in two countries (Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan).
• Organise, coordinate and follow up a large-scale population survey in two countries, working with local researchers and stakeholder committees.
• Support and supervise PhD students and help develop new theoretical models linking child migration and child and family studies.
• Disseminate findings scientifically and publicly, and help coordinate the project overall.

Required profile

• PhD in Educational Sciences, Social Work or a related social science, meeting degree requirements by the date of appointment.
• Experience conducting research on refugee parents.
• Interest in research on unaccompanied minors, foster care and/or parenting; interest in TransParent or similar contexts is an asset.
• Proven record of publishing in high-quality academic journals.
• Demonstrable experience working with local researchers and non-academic stakeholders in designing and disseminating research.
• Excellent written and spoken Dutch and English (C2); knowledge of the languages spoken in the research contexts is an asset.
• Willingness to travel for data collection and dissemination.

Required skills

• Knowledge of and/or experience with qualitative and quantitative methods (self-report questionnaires, in-depth interviews).
• Team player with strong collaborative skills, accurate work, effective deadline management and a critical mindset.

What we offer

• Indefinite-duration contract within the ERC TransParent framework, starting on 1 January 2027 at the earliest.
• Remuneration on the PD1 to PD4 wage scale.
• Staff benefits including training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave per year, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

Applications are made online through the university's e-recruitment system by 27 November 2026, with a CV, a two-page motivation letter and a transcript of the degree. Selection rounds are held in Ghent in December 2026.