Tilburg University PhD Positions at the Department of Sociology, Netherlands

2 PhD-students 
(m/f, full-time 4 years or part-time 5 years).
JOB DESCRIPTION 
The main task of the candidates is to carry out theoretical and empirical analyses of the individual level and context level determinants of (project 1) welfare state legitimacy as a multi-dimensional phenomenon, or (project 2) the individual and social effects of income inequality in countries. In addition to their research, candidates will follow taught courses to develop their theoretical and methodological skills, and they will participate as teaching assistants in the sociology courses of the department.
Title of project 1 
“Welfare state legitimacy: cross-national analyses from a multi-dimensional perspective” (Vacancy number 400.10.13). The social legitimacy of the welfare state is mostly measured by the degree to which citizens support government responsibility in regulating and/or providing social benefits and services. However, people will also have opinions and preferences regarding underlying principles of redistributive justice, implementation practices, and outcomes of welfare, which may add to their overall evaluation of the welfare state. This project aims to study welfare legitimacy from a multi-dimensional perspective.
Title of project 2 
“Individual and social effects of income inequality” (Vacancy number 400.10.14) The negative relation between income inequality in countries and the general health status of their citizens is well-studied. The aim of this cross-national project is to look into other possible social and individual consequences of income inequality, using models that are capable of distinguishing between micro and macro explanations, and the possible interrelations between the two.
REQUIREMENTS 
We look for graduated students who: – have completed a master programme in sociology, social policy, or political science, with very good results – have (EU comparative) knowledge of social inequalities and social policies – have knowledge of techniques for the analysis of large-scale survey data, especially also of multi-level analyses – are ambitious and can work independently, and have good analytical skills.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT 
The PhD positions offer a four year full-time contract, or a five year part-time contract (0.8 fte), commencing 1 September 2010. The salary for a full-time contract ranges between € 2042,- and € 2612,- gross a month (UFO scale PhD student).
Applications and Information 
Additional information about Tilburg University and the Department of Sociology can be obtained from:http://www.tilburguniversity.nl/faculties/fsw/departments/soc/. Specific information about the vacancies can be obtained from Wim van Oorschot, Professor of Sociology ( w.v.oorschot@uvt.nl ), +31 13 466 2794).
We advice applicants to obtain a copy of the project descriptions from the secretary of the Department of Sociology, Ms Els Kusters ( els.kusters@uvt.nl ).
Application letters, including a cv, a letter of motivation for the most preferred project, and the abstract of the master-thesis should be send only by email, before 15 May to M. van Ieperen, Managing Director, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands by the address: pz-fsw@uvt.nl. Please refer to the vacancy numbers 400.10.13 or 400.10.14.
Interviews with selected candidates will take place in June 2010, at Tilburg University.
Application Deadline : 15 May 2010
Web Link
http://www.tilburguniversity.nl/faculties/fsw/departments/soc/