The University of Luxembourg aspires to be one of Europe’s most highly regarded universities with a distinctly international and interdisciplinary character. It fosters the cross-fertilisation of research and teaching, is relevant to its country, is known worldwide for its research and teaching in targeted areas, and is establishing itself as an innovative model for contemporary European Higher Education. The University`s core asset is its well-connected world-class academic staff which will attract the most motivated, talented and creative students and young researchers who will learn to enjoy taking up challenges and develop into visionary thinkers able to shape society.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers four Bachelor and 15 Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

Your Role

The PhD position will be focused on conducting mixed (qualitative/quantitative) research in educational sciences, in particular at the primary level. The successful applicant will be affiliated with the Institute of Lifelong Learning and Guidance (LLLG), situated within the Department of Education and Social Work (DESW). The candidate will work in the field of educational sciences and will contribute to the research program led by Dr Christophe Dierendonck. The PhD candidate will engage in independent as well as collaborative educational research and will work as a part of a dynamic research team.

The successful candidate will:

• Engage in research targeted at receiving a PhD in Educational Sciences (cumulative; i.e. based on peer-reviewed publications),
• Conduct an in-depth literature review to support the research plan,
• Coordinate the organization, collection and analysis of data-sets, including survey and focus groups data collection and management,
• Communicate and collaborate with a research team, including teachers and student assistants,
• Engage in international opportunities for learning and development (i.e., doctoral summer school possibilities),
• Take responsibility for administrative tasks within the study,
• Author, and co-author, international publications (in English-speaking peer reviewed journals and at scientific conferences).

Your Profile

Desired candidates will have:

• Master’s degree in Educational Sciences or a related field,
• Good knowledge of, and interest, in qualitative and quantitative research methods and educational research,
• Experience working with primary aged students and / or teachers,
• Willingness to travel internationally for conferences and training opportunities,
• Fluency in English and French required, additional proficiency in either Luxembourgish, German is preferred due to the multilingual nature of the school context,
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively,
• Possession of communication and administrative skills.

We offer:

• Affiliation to an active research group with a profile of diverse activities,
• Excellent research conditions at an international and multilingual university,
• Possibility to receive PhD based on publications and within a very reasonable amount of time.
• Participation in a committed and interdisciplinary team.

In Short

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Employee and student status
• Foreseen starting date: 15 March 2021
• Job Reference: UOL03890

Further Information

Applications may be submitted in English and must include the following:

• Motivation letter,
• Detailed CV,
• List of publications (if available),
• Copies of diplomas and MA transcript(s),
• Names and contact details of at least two academic referees.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Here’s what awaits you at the University

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. WiFi on campus. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

Further information

For further information, please contact Dr. Christophe Dierendonck (christophe.dierendonck@uni.lu).