Prof. dr. Sorana Toma is recruiting a PhD researcher on a project focusing on ethno-racial inequalities in (access to) health(care) using quantitative data, to be based at Ghent University within the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, the International Centre for Reproductive Health, and the Center for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees (CESSMIR).
A growing line of interdisciplinary research has documented the various forms of inequalities that ethnicized and racialized minorities experience in their access to and quality of healthcare, and therefore in their health outcomes. Differences in socio-economic and linguistic resources, cultural and religious stereotypes, access to social capital and discrimination are some of the mechanisms underlying the observed health disparities. Less studied are the spatial mechanisms, such as residential segregation, that may also contribute to the (re)production of these inequalities along ethnic and racial lines. This project aims to fill this gap by examining ethno-racial disparities in access to healthcare and health outcomes in Belgium and France and focusing on uncovering the spatial mechanisms partly responsible for these inequities. It will do so by using a mix of administrative and survey data that will be analyzed by means of (advanced) statistical methods.
The offer includes:
- A PhD position for a term of 4 years (1 year + renewable for 3 years), starting in September-October 2022 (exact starting date to be agreed), which will result in a PhD in Health Sciences
- You will be supervised by Prof. dr. Sorana Toma, and will be embedded in several dynamic, interdisciplinary and international research groups: the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, the International Centre for Reproductive Health, and the Center for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees (CESSMIR).
- A monthly salary in accordance with the wages of Ghent University.
- You enjoy a number of benefits that Ghent University offers (such as a wide training offer, reimbursement of your commuting by public transport and eco vouchers). For a complete overview of the staff benefits at Ghent University, see http://www.ugent.be/nl/vacatures/personeelsvoordelen.htm.
Job profile
- A master degree in social, health or economic sciences (e.g. sociology, public health, demography, economics,..) at the time of the employment
- Familiarity with some (advanced) quantitative methods is necessary (e.g. multivariate regression, multi-level modeling,..) , and openness to learning new techniques
- You can present good study results and have distinguished yourself several times during your studies
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Passion for research and strong analytical skills.
- You take initiative, work result-oriented and can work independently
- You have good organisational skills, and are able to meet the deadlines.
- Prior knowledge and interest in the theme of health and/or ethnicity are an asset
How to apply
Submit your application file by email at the latest on 24 June 2022 to Sorana Toma (
- A motivation letter (max 2 pages, in English),
- Detailed CV (including average score/ranking for each study year)
- A writing sample relevant to this application (publication / research essay / master thesis – preferably in English, but Dutch or French are ok as well)
Important Note: All required documents should be merged in 1 single pdf-file.