Research Fellow (Postdoc) in Quantitative Sociology of Education and/or Work
Full-time postdoctoral research position in Sofia, Bulgaria – fixed-term, project-based employment contract)
The project and the role
Related to its ongoing EU-funded European Research Area (ERA) Chair project “Promoting Promising Skills to Work in Bulgaria” (ProSkills2Work, 1 Mar 2025 – 28 Feb 2030), the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology (IPS) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) is looking for a motivated and open-minded Research Fellow (Postdoc) with advanced quantitative methodological skills to join, for the duration of the project, our international ProSkills2Work Team led by IPS Deputy Director Prof. Vassil Kirov and ERA Chair Holder Prof. Christian Imdorf.
ProSkills2Work is a Horizon Europe action aiming to strengthen the research excellence and capacity of the IPS by further developing its strong focus on sociology of education and work and by advancing scientific knowledge on the Bulgarian vocational skills formation system, continuous skills enhancement, individual transitions to work, alongside the respective methodological challenges.
The increase of research capacity at the IPS through the ERA Chair endeavour shall promote collaborations between research teams at the IPS and international research groups, aimed at high quality research outcomes (in terms of publications and data analyses), and at transfer of the research results into policy recommendations and innovative models of vocational skills formation in Bulgaria and South-Eastern Europe.
Besides conducting excellent, highly visible research on project-related topics, the incumbent will be required to engage in the ProSkills2Work activities, including enhancing research capacity through seminars and workshops, PhD supervision, and taking part in grant proposal preparation on relevant topics. These responsibilities will account for 20% of the workload.
Two post-doctoral researchers, one senior researcher, and three PhD students are being recruited to complement the current ProSkills2Work ERA Chair team comprising the ERA Chair Holder, one junior and two senior IPS researchers, and a research officer.
Requirements
- PhD or equivalent in Sociology, Social Sciences, Educational Science, Political Science, Social Psychology, or Education Economics
- Up to five years research experience since earning the PhD. This limit does not include periods of parental leave, long-term sick leave, or military service.
- No previous contractual links to the IPS at any point in time
- Languages: fluent English; Bulgarian – an asset but not a must
- Relocation to and on-site work in Sofia, Bulgaria
- Robust theoretical and empirical research skills. In-depth knowledge and experience in advanced quantitative social science methods and/or computational social sciences.
- Topical knowledge in sociology of education and work. Focus on vocational education and training and/or youth in South-Eastern Europe is an asset.
- Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals during the last five years. The incumbent is expected to regularly publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Readiness to fulfil academic tasks according to the ProSkills2Work Grant Agreement
- Adeptness at working independently as well as collaboratively. Efficiency in handling deadlines, and managing competing research and project work responsibilities.
Why is this job opportunity especially attractive?
We offer a competitive remuneration package and a unique opportunity for professional and personal development in the framework of the EU’s Horizon Europe “Widening participation and spreading excellence” Programme.
Enjoy the autonomy and encouragement to explore your scholarly passions in the above-mentioned research fields, working innovatively across disciplines to produce internationally impactful research.
Present your research findings to audiences both domestically and internationally, with financial backing to attend international conferences, workshops and meetings.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of highly skilled researchers who are dedicated to their fields and appreciate a transparent, cooperative work atmosphere.
Work and live in Sofia – a vibrant social and cultural hub in the vicinity of nature.
Interested to apply?
Before submitting your application, you must contact Prof. Christian Imdorf () to discuss the role, your interest, and your suitability for the position – at least two weeks in advance of the application deadline.
Application deadline: 23:59:59 (Sofia time) on 11 January 2026
Please submit your application by email to:
Your application must include:
- An up-to-date academic CV detailing your education and qualifications, employment history, publications, and any other relevant information
- Copies of your Bachelor, Master, and PhD academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A convincing motivation letter (1000 words) explaining why you are interested in this position, how your background, experience, skills as well as how your research plans align with the research described above
- Two examples of your recent academic writings – published or under review
- One academic reference letter (1 page) from somebody who can assess your suitability for the position, specifically relating their feedback to your previous academic work and the advertised project
Two-stage online interviews with the shortlisted candidates are expected to take place from mid-February 2026 onward. A one-hour written assignment may be included in the assessment.
Candidates of any nationality (Bulgarian and/or other) are encouraged to apply.
EURACCESS: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/383364
About the ProSkfills2Work project: https://proskills2work.eu/en/
