Postdoc position on family formation among sexual minorities within the QPATHS project at NIDI/KNAW

The Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI) invites applications for a postdoctoral position on family formation among sexual minorities within the QPATHS project at NIDI / KNAW.

Despite growing social acceptance and legal recognition of same-sex unions, many individuals in same-sex relationships still face major obstacles on their path to parenthood. The QPATHS (Queer Pathways to Parenthood) project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), studies the pathways and challenges sexual minorities face in achieving their family goals.

The central aim of the postdoctoral project is to provide a comparative demographic account of parenthood trajectories among same- and different-sex couples across the Nordic countries. Using longitudinal population register data from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden (1990–2021), the postdoc will study who becomes a parent and which micro- and macro-level factors explain these patterns. The project focuses on how parenthood trajectories—defined by the occurrence, timing, and sequence of becoming a parent and having additional children—vary across couple types, cohorts, and policy contexts.

Examples of research questions include:

• How do parenthood trajectories differ between male same-sex, female same-sex, and different-sex couples (across the Nordic countries)?
• Which (socio)demographic factors (e.g., education, income, migrant background) shape parenthood trajectories within and across countries?
• How have these trajectories changed across time and cohorts?
• How do legal and policy changes related to same-sex family rights influence parenthood outcomes, and do effects differ by gender and couple type?

The postdoc will work with large-scale register data and apply advanced quantitative methods. Together with the PI and a PhD candidate, the postdoc will be involved in the design and data collection of the project’s survey. Within the broader aims of the project, the postdoc will have scope to develop and pursue their own research questions using these data.

Beyond its academic contribution, this work has clear societal and policy relevance. The findings will support debates on equal access to parenthood and the role of institutions and policies in shaping family formation. Results will be communicated to academic and policy audiences through publications, presentations, and stakeholder-oriented outputs.

The position offers close collaboration with the PI and international partners, including opportunities to undertake a research visit abroad. It also offers good training and career development opportunities and a strong basis for a research career in demography, sociology, and family policy research.

What you will be doing

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish several articles based on the project’s research in international academic journals. They will carry out advanced research as part of an international and engaged research team. The postdoc will contribute to the project’s data collection and will have the opportunity to undertake a research visit abroad. The researcher will also participate in and attend national and international scientific meetings.

What you will be contributing

• A PhD degree in sociology, demography, economics, (social) geography, or another relevant social science.
• A demonstrated background in quantitative data analyses, including well-developed skills in statistical methods and advanced use of data analysis software (e.g., STATA).
• Excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
• Excellent presenting and writing skills.
• A good publication record.

What do we offer?

The Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI) is a leading European demographic research institute. NIDI is part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and affiliated with the University of Groningen. It is located in the center of The Hague providing a unique and stimulating research environment in the broad field of population studies. The institute employs staff of different levels of seniority and is organized in a rather horizontal structure within thematic research groups. The working environment is highly international and NIDI provides ample opportunities for training and development.

Your workplace

The work climate is based on mutual respect, openness, and collaboration. NIDI comprises five thematic groups: (1) Families & gender, (2) Migrants & migration, (3) Demographic change and the labour market, (4) Health, ageing and mortality, (5) Data infrastructure and open science.

Het aanvragen van een VOG kan onderdeel uitmaken van de indiensttredingsprocedure.