PhD Student in Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences
Abstract:
The PhD student will write a thesis under the supervision of Dr M. Studer and Prof. G. Ritschard as part of the research project IP 214 of NCCR LIVES « Measuring and modelling vulnerability dynamics in a life-course context » (www.lives-nccr.ch). This research project intends to formalize a general framework for the quantitative modelling of life-course vulnerability. This includes two aspects: the measurement and conceptualization of vulnerability as a state or a risk (such as being at risk to fall in an unwanted situation) and as a process (e.g., social disaffiliation process). In a second stage, the research project will investigate methods to measure how vulnerability (measured as a state or process) is linked to explanatory individual factors (sex, social class…) or contextual dimensions (unemployment rates, social policies…). An application of the developed methodological framework in socioeconomics, such as vulnerability processes in employment, is also planned.
Required profile:
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences or in Statistics with a proven interest in social sciences.
- Very good knowledge of quantitative methods for the social sciences and advanced skills in longitudinal analysis. Ease with statistical software’s. Programming skills and
knowledge of R is an asset.
- Pronounced interest for research in socioeconomics and life course analysis.
- Good writing skills, initiative, organizational skills, willingness to engage in teamwork.
Offered conditions:
- Doctoral position, which includes research (PhD) and teaching a weekly 2 hour seminar in quantitative methods for the social science.
- Wage according to the scales of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
- Date: August 1, 2015 or date to be agreed, for a period of one year, renewable for 4 years at most.
- Registration in the LIVES doctoral school.
Applications:
Interested persons are invited to send an application including:
- A cover letter with motivation and full contact details, - A curriculum vitae,
- A copy of diplomas with grades, - A list of references,
- Optional: a previously written document (Master Thesis, research report, etc.)
Applications should be sent by May 31, 2015 by email to Matthias Studer, matthias.studer@unige.ch.
The applications will be examined by Dr Matthias Studer and Professor Gilbert Ritschard and an answer will be given before the 30th of June. Feel free to ask any questions at
matthias.studer@unige.ch.
