Advanced economies experience a rapid growth in the number of people working in non-standard forms of employment, including flexible, temporary and self-employed work. This trend is boosted through the upsurge of the gig economy. Moreover, the rise of non-standard employment is particularly concentrated in low-skilled jobs. Globalisation and technological change simultaneously result in job polarisation: a hollowing out of middle-skilled jobs. Hence, middle-skilled workers become increasingly dependent on low-skilled jobs. Therefore, the question arises whether the associated increase in competition for low-skilled jobs accounts for the rise in non-standard employment. Whilst globalisation, technological change and the gig economy are worldwide trends, the growth in non-standard employment varies per country. Against this background, this study empirically analyses the interplay between globalisation, technological change and the flexibilisation of the labour market, and the extent to which institutions mediate this relationship.

From a policy perspective, the question arises whether current labour market regulations and social policies are suited to the challenges associated with the flexibilisation of labour markets. Workers in non-standard forms of employment tend to have lower levels of employment protection and less access to social programmes. Additionally, they receive substantially less training affecting their career prospects in an increasingly globalised and automated world. This project analyses to what extent this results in increasing wage differentials between high- and low-educated workers, and a growing number of working poor.

Finally, this project analyses the political implications of globalisation, technological change and labour market flexibilisation. How does labour market flexibilisation affect preferences for different types of labour market regulations, welfare state institutions and human capital enhancing policies?  

This research project will be funded by Instituut Gak. The project will last four years. Within the project, a PhD candidate and a post-doctoral researcher will be appointed.

Key responsibilities

• Research in the research project, ‘Flexibilisation, globalisation and technological change: consequences for labour market and social policy’;
• Teaching in the programme of the Department of Economics (as well as coordinating teaching);
• Management tasks within the department or faculty.

• A PhD in economics, comparative political economy or another discipline that is relevant for the research project and the teaching profile of the department;
• Excellent research qualities which are relevant for the research project, demonstrated for example by (international) publications;
• Explicit affinity with empirical research in the field of labour market flexibilisation, globalisation and/or technological change, based on micro level data (survey and/or administrative data) and/or macro level data;
• Experience and affinity with teaching and coordinating courses;
• Excellent teaching qualities, demonstrated for example by teaching evaluations;
• Knowledge of the Dutch language is considered an advantage. If the successful applicant is not fluent in Dutch, he or she will be expected to learn Dutch within a period of approximately two years;
• You are a team player.

We offer a full-time position for one year: 0.5 fte post-doctoral researcher and 0.5 fte assistant professor. A smaller appointment (0.5 fte post-doctoral researcher) would also be possible. It concerns a position for two years, which can be extended with another two years (the research project will last four years). After the project, the position may be converted into a permanent position. Salary range from € 3,637.- to € 4,978.- gross per month based on a full-time position (pay scale 11, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More information, see Application process and working conditions.

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years.

With over 5,000 students and 450 members of staff, Leiden Law School is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands. Yet, in all its diversity, it is still known for its ability to provide education on a small scale. The faculty focuses on multi-faceted high-level teaching and research, both nationally and internationally. It does so by working with talented people and stimulating and supporting them in their professional and personal ambitions. The faculty is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building on the Steenschuur in Leiden. Working for the Leiden Law School means working in an inspiring scientific environment. For more information, see Faculty of Law. Information about the Department of Economics can be found here.

In the broad field of applied economics, the activities of the Department of Economics are concentrated on socio-economic policy, law and economics and the economics of taxation. The department provides courses for a number of study programmes, such as law, public administration, liberal arts and political science. Moreover, the department participates in a dual bachelor’s programme (Economics, Governance and Management) and a dual master’s programme (Economics and Governance), both hosted in The Hague. Leiden University’s research in the field of Social Policy & Administration has been ranked 24th in the QS World University Rankings.