NIDI invites applications for two PhD postitions (1 FTE)

The demography of part-time work in Europe

The "Meer Uren Werkt!" project is an initiative by the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and Utrecht University, funded by the National Growth Fund. The project's goal is to remove visible and invisible barriers preventing employees from working more hours, enabling those who want to work more to do so. This initiative focuses on tackling various obstacles in how work is organized, aiming to help address labor market shortages. The program is a unique collaboration between the government and academic partners, including Utrecht University, Radboud University, and the NIDI. The program will involve implementing five proven interventions within participating organizations, developing and validating new interventions, and conducting academic research to identify and address barriers that prevent employees from increasing their working hours.

Within this larger project, two PhD positions are available at the NIDI, addressing demographic aspects of part-time work in the Netherlands and Europe. Relevant questions that can be studied are:

• How can we explain national differences in the prevalence of part-time work? Why is the Netherlands such a unique case?
• Why are so few fathers working part-time in the Netherlands? Is this due to financial constraints, or do cultural differences also play a role?
• How can we understand differences in the prevalence of part-time work between work organizations? What is the role of the gender composition of work organizations, and do employer policies have an impact?
• How does part-time work change across the life course? What is the role of partner relations, parenthood, and the empty nest stage?
• Why are substantial numbers of people in the Netherlands already working part-time before they have children?
• What are the individual consequences of part-time work? Is there a trade-off between adverse career effects and positive consequences for well-being?

Questions like these will be answered with quantitative analyses of a variety of data sources: (a) data from national registers, (b) longitudinal survey data from the Netherlands (e.g., LISS), (c) large-scale cross-national survey data in Europe (e.g., GGP, ESS), and (d) new survey data from the Netherlands (to be collected). The projects will be supervised by prof. dr. K. (Kène) Henkens and/or prof. dr. M. (Matthijs) Kalmijn.

Function description

• Carry out cutting-edge academic research within an international team of engaged researchers.
• Publish international journal articles within the described project, resulting in a PhD thesis.
• Participate in the Groeifonds project and collaborate with colleagues from Utrecht University and Radboud University.
• Participate in and present at (inter-)national scientific meetings and contribute to project dissemination activities.

Qualifications

• A research master's degree in sociology, demography, (micro) economics, social geography, or (social) psychology.
• A solid background in quantitative data analyses and strong skills in advanced statistical methods and programming.
• Experience in survey design is recommended
• Good writing and presentation skills.

Information

For additional information, you may contact prof. dr. M. Kalmijn (kalmijn@nidi.nl) or prof. dr. K. Henkens (henkens@nidi.nl).

Application procedure

Candidates are invited to submit their application in English. Applicants should include:

• Letter of motivation (max 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of university BA and MA grades (transcript)
• One sample of written work (copy of master dissertation, published article, or coursework)
• Names and contact details of one referee
• All these should be included in a single PDF file

About NIDI

The Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI) is a leading European demographic research institute. NIDI is part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and affiliated with the University of Groningen. NIDI is a scientific research institute that employs PhD students, postdocs, and professors at all levels. NIDI is located in The Hague, a 10' walk from The Hague Central Station, situated in a historical building in the city center. NIDI employees work at least half of their work time on-site, a practice that fosters cohesion, creativity, and productivity. We expect employees to live within manageable travel distance of NIDI, of course permitting time to relocate if necessary. The work climate is based on mutual respect, openness, and direct contact. Many employees collaborate both across and within levels of seniority. Training the next generation by supervising PhD projects and guiding postdocs is one of the institute's key tasks, and NIDI prides itself on a tradition of close and successful supervision. NIDI participates in giving courses at universities, supervises national and international internships, and supervises master theses. Acquisition of external research funding is an essential mission of the institute.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 2,901 and the maximum salary is € 3,707 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment). 

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.