PhD candidate on ‘Life Long Learning’

PhD

PhD candidate on ‘Life Long Learning’

Job Description

Lifelong learning (LLE) is essential for a resilient, inclusive labor market. Not everyone has equal access to training: job seekers, those with practical training, older adults, and part-time workers consistently participate less in LLE. In this research, you will analyze why the current training system is inadequate and how it can be improved. You will combine legal and empirical research to outline the legal and supplementary requirements. You will compare these with invisible obstacles and practical needs. The project is funded by InstituutGAK.

Activities

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct the various parts of the research over a four-year period and publish the results in a series of articles. You will conduct the research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sonja Bekker and Prof. Miriam Kullmann. You will analyze the extent to which the Dutch legal framework and existing facilities (time and financial resources) promote a learning culture with:

• equal access;
• structural support; and
• recognition of learning efforts.

You will combine a legal analysis with an empirical component consisting of EU and national law, existing databases on citizen participation in education, and Living Labs in which you, in co-creation with societal partners, identify education obstacles and outline solutions. In your role as a PhD candidate, you will have the following responsibilities:
design and conduct legal and empirical research, including:

• recruiting participants for the Living Labs;
• maintain contact with the research sponsor;
• co-organize a larger research meeting;
• share research results at scientific and practice-oriented conferences.

There are ample opportunities for training and development alongside your regular work. For example, you’ll participate in the PhD program offered by the Department of Law. You can also take additional empirical courses through the Netherlands Academy for Empirical Legal Research.

Requirements:

• You hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as (employment) law or sociology, and are open to a multidisciplinary perspective.
• You enjoy being part of a team and demonstrate this by being open to collaboration in diverse contexts, sharing knowledge and experiences, and contributing to a collegial, open, and inclusive work environment.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills, both in Dutch and English.
• You have strong research skills and are open to developing them further with feedback from your supervisors.

Job specifications:

• A position for 18 months, with the option to extend up to four years in total based on satisfactory performance;
• a 38-hour workweek with a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 (scale P of the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities);
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension plan, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions external link stipulated in the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University also offers several of its own schemes. These include opportunities for professional development external link, various leave arrangements, and attractive sports and cultural activities external link. Furthermore, you can expand or adjust your employment conditions yourself using the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to continue developing your skills. For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University external link.

Curious?

You can find more information on their website.