Postdoc in Comparative Political Economy of Labour Market Risks and Welfare State Transformations

Post-Doctoral Researcher in Comparative Political Economy of Labour Market Risks and Welfare State Transformations (2 years)

Vacancy number: 15015

Research Project TransEuroWorkS: Transforming European Work and Social Protection - A New Proactive Welfare State Fit for the Future World of Work

A consortium of 10 European universities and other research institutions has received funding from the European Commission (Horizon Europe) for a large-scale, multi-disciplinary research project on the future world of work and social protection in Europe. TransEuroWorkS provides a new and more integrative understanding of how fundamental changes in the labour market and European context can be managed through national and European Union (EU)-level social protection. At the center of this research are three structural labour market transformations, i.e., the green transition, digitalisation, and the internationalisation of the workforce (through intra-European mobility and immigration). Leiden University is the coordination team of the TransEuroWorkS project. The selected post-doc will be involved in multiple roles, such as doing research, collaborating with consortium partners, engaging stakeholders, and coordinating the project.

By July 2024, the project has been running already for a year and half. Currently, the team at Leiden University is working on the following sub-projects:

• In collaboration with the five partners within the consortium, we have designed the cross-country TransEuroWorks public opinion survey. As part of this survey, we have designed a survey experiment to study respondents’ preferences regarding EU-level labour market policies. With the analyses based on the data from this survey, we aim to contribute to the CPE literature on labour market risks, migration, EU fiscal integration, the knowledge economy, and the green transition. We expect to receive the data in the fall of 2024.
• Together with the University of Geneva, we are developing a dataset that includes new indicators on national-level welfare state programmes. These indicators measure if and how non-standard workers and migrants are protected by the welfare state. Based on this dataset, we aim to examine how welfare states accommodate new forms of work that stem from the internationalisation and the flexibilisation of the labour market. We also aim to use these data set to examine which political and socio-economic factors can explain cross-country and temporal variation in these developments and to contribute to the CPE literature on welfare state reform.
• We are developing a new dataset on EU-level social policies. With this dataset, we aim to examine the dynamics of the Europeanisation of social and labour market policies and to contribute to the Europeanisation literature.

The selected post-doctoral researcher will be directly involved in one or more of the above mentioned sub-projects. In addition, working within a team formed by diverse European universities and research institutions will offer multiple opportunities for other collaborations.

The position comprises the following tasks:

• Conducting innovative research within the framework of the research project TransEuroWorkS;
• Present papers at international conferences;
• Submit research results for publication in academic journals;
• Together with the other members of the coordination team at Leiden University: assist with the coordination of the consortium and collaborating with partners;
• Present the findings to policymakers and engage stakeholders;
• Organise and participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences of the programme.

Selection Criteria

• A PhD in Comparative Political Economy, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration or another discipline that is relevant for TransEuroWorkS;
• Excellent research qualities which are relevant for the research profile of TransEuroWorkS. Experience on either of the following is considered an advantage:
  • Analysing and/or constructing welfare state indicators;
  • Analysing public opinion surveys and survey experiments;
• Experience with project coordination is considered an advantage;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the ability to effectively communicate with external audiences;

Given the collaborative nature of the project, being a team player is highly valued.

Our Department

The Department of Economics is a young, vibrant research community. We work together to make a difference, celebrate our bigger and smaller successes and look out for each other. Moreover, a good work-life balance is important to us, and we offer the flexibility to combine work with other responsibilities. The department has been growing steadily and will continue to grow with new bachelor and master programs in The Hague. The department has a reputation of working together in teams on joint research projects, while at the same time giving individual researchers the autonomy and flexibility to pursue other research interests as well. In the broad field of economics, the activities of the department are concentrated on socio-economic policy, law and economics, the functioning of the labor market, and social security. The department provides courses for a number of study programs, such as public administration, liberal arts, and law. Moreover, the department co-organizes the bachelor program ‘Economics, Governance and Management’ and the master program ‘Economics and Governance’ with the Institute of Public Administration. In addition, we are developing new bachelor and master programs in economics that will start in September 2025.

Our Faculty

The Department of Economics is part of the Leiden Law School (ranked #1 in the Netherlands for the subject of law and #21 in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject). Leiden Law School is located in Leiden and The Hague. With more than 6500 students and around 1000 staff, it is one of the largest university faculties in the Netherlands. The faculty focuses on innovative multidisciplinary research and educational programmes that are constantly renewed in response to issues in society. Our faculty is large enough to make a difference nationally and internationally, yet small enough to offer personalised education. This is how we contribute to a safe and sustainable world, each and every day. The faculty is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building on the Steenschuur in Leiden. The Department of Economics also has offices in The Hague. Working for Leiden Law School means working in a welcoming and inspiring academic environment.

Terms & conditions

• We offer a full-time position (38 hours per week) for two years.
• Salary ranges from 60,457 to 82,745 gross per year for a full-time position (scale 11), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. This includes holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%). Salary depends on education and experience.
• Start date: 1 November 2024 (some flexibility is possible).
• The selected candidates will have the opportunity to participate in the teaching programme of the department and to develop teaching experience.
• Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with training and career development (including, for example, language courses, teaching courses and project management courses). Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

For more information on the terms and conditions of employment, click here.

Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Prof. Olaf van Vliet, Principal Investigator of TransEuroWorkS, e-mail o.p.van.vliet@law.leidenuniv.nl tel:+31715278551. You can apply until 2 September; applications will be processed immediately.

Applications

Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A cover letter stating your motivation for this position;
• A curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications;
• A publication (or working paper);
• At this stage, it is not necessary to submit references or recommendation letters.

Only applications received before 2 September 2024 will be considered. The selection procedure will take place in September 2024.

Acquisition following this advertisement is not appreciated.