postdoctoral researcher

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days holiday leave

Bicycle allowance

Eco vouchers

Job summary

Ghent University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Public Governance and Management. The role supports the Horizon RETOOL project on strengthening democratic governance for climate transitions.

The candidate will perform quantitative survey analysis, project coordination, and produce scientific articles and policy briefs related to climate action in Europe. A doctoral degree in a relevant field with English proficiency is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in political science, public administration or related field with climate policy and European governance expertise.
• Excellent survey analysis and quantitative methods.
• Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate with partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication; capable of producing policy briefs.
• Able to develop high-quality scientific articles and policy-oriented publications.
• Fluent English in writing and speaking; multilingual not required.
• Ability to conduct qualitative analysis or mixed-method approaches and engage with policymakers.

Responsibilities

• Quantitative analysis of survey data.
• Project management tasks including oversight and coordinating with partners.
• Preparation of scientific articles and policy briefs.
• Research on climate action and democratic governance in Europe.

Skills

Survey analysis

Project management

Communication & writing

Policy publications

English proficiency

Education

PhD in political science/public admin or related field

Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

The postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Public Governance and Management will build on the work carried out under the Horizon RETOOL project on strengthening democratic governance for climate transitions. More information on the project is available at https://retoolproject.eu/

YOUR TASKS

• Quantitative analysis of survey data
• Project management tasks, including, but not limited to:
  • Project task oversight;
  • Communication with partners;
  • Preparation, organization and follow-up of project team meetings
• Preparation of scientific articles and policy briefs
• Research related to climate action and democratic governance in Europe

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required:

• A thesis-based doctorate in political science, public administration or related field, with expertise in climate policy and politics, and democratic governance in Europe and/or the European Union
• Excellent survey analysis and quantitative analytical methodological skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Proven capacity to contribute to high-quality, scientific articles
• Proven capacity to develop policy-oriented publications, such as policy briefs
• Excellent English-language ability, but written and spoken
• Capacity to carry out qualitative analysis, or engage in mixed-method approaches
• Capacity to engage with policymakers

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a 100% contract of definite duration for seven months, from 15 December 2026 to 14 July 2027.
• Your contract will start on 15/12/2026 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.