Full-time research position based in Sofia, Bulgaria (fixed-term employment contract):
Senior Researcher in Sociology of Education and Work
The project and the role
Related to its new 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 Experienced (Senior) Researcher to join our international team, led by Prof. Vassil Kirov, IPS Deputy Director, and Prof. Christian Imdorf, ERA Chair Holder.
ProSkills2Work aims 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, to accomplish high quality research outcomes (in terms of publications and data analyses), and to translate research results into policy recommendations and innovative models of vocational skills formation in Bulgaria and the Western Balkans.
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 preparations on relevant topics. These responsibilities will account for 30% of the workload.
Beside this senior research position, two post-doctoral researchers and three PhD students will also be 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
- At least five years of full-time equivalent research experience since earning the PhD
- 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 quantitative social science methods. Additional knowledge in qualitative research is an asset.
- Topical knowledge on sociology of education and work. Focus on vocational education and training and/or youth in Southeastern Europe is an asset.
- Good knowledge of sociological theories of action
- Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals. The incumbent is expected to regularly publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Postdoctoral research and publications aligning with the ProSkills2Work research topics
- 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
Why is this job opportunity especially attractive?
We offer a competitive remuneration package.
This is 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.
Access opportunities to 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?
You must contact Prof. Christian Imdorf (christian.imdorf@ips.bas.bg) to discuss your interest and suitability for the position before submitting your application.
Application deadline: 23:59:59 (Sofia time) on 24th August 2025
Please submit your application online: proskills2work@ips.bas.bg
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 manuscripts or those 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 by mid-September 2025. The motivation letter is particularly important in the assessment process.
Candidates of any nationality (Bulgarian and/or other) are encouraged to apply.
Additional information:
EURACCESS: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/349508
About the BAS and IPS: https://ips-bas.org/en/home/
More about ProSkills2Work: https://proskills2work.eu/
For technical or administrative queries, please contact: proskills2work@ips.bas.bg
For questions about the role, reach out to: christian.imdorf@ips.bas.bg
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Full-time research position based in Sofia, Bulgaria (fixed-term employment contract):
Research Fellow (Postdoc) in Sociology of Education and Work
The project and the role
Related to its new 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 Postdoctoral Researcher to join our international team, led by Prof. Vassil Kirov, IPS Deputy Director, and Prof. Christian Imdorf, ERA Chair Holder.
ProSkills2Work aims 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, to accomplish high quality research outcomes (in terms of publications and data analyses), and to translate research results into policy recommendations and innovative models of vocational skills formation in Bulgaria and the Western Balkans.
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 preparations on relevant topics. These responsibilities will account for 20% of the workload.
Two post-doctoral researchers besides one senior researcher and three PhD students will be 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
- No more than five years of full-time equivalent 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 quantitative and/or qualitative social science methods
- Topical knowledge in sociology of education and work. Focus on vocational education and training and/or youth in Southeastern Europe is an asset
- Good knowledge of sociological theories of action
- Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals. 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.
This is 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.
Access opportunities to 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?
You must contact Prof. Christian Imdorf (christian.imdorf@ips.bas.bg) to discuss your interest and suitability for the position before submitting your application.
Application deadline: 23:59:59 (Sofia time) on 24th August 2025
Please submit your application online: proskills2work@ips.bas.bg
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 manuscripts or those 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 by mid-September 2025. A one-hour written assignment may be included in the interview process.
Candidates of any nationality (Bulgarian and/or other) are encouraged to apply.
Additional information:
EURACCESS: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/349508
About the BAS and IPS: https://ips-bas.org/en/home/
More about ProSkills2Work: https://proskills2work.eu/
For technical or administrative queries, please contact: proskills2work@ips.bas.bg
For questions about the role, reach out to: christian.imdorf@ips.bas.bg
