Postdoc position on family formation among sexual minorities at NIDI/KNAW

The Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI) invites applications for a Postdoc position on family formation among sexual minorities within the QPATHS project

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?

NIDI is a scientific research institute that employs PhD students, postdocs, and professors at all levels. NIDI is located in The Hague, a 10' walk from The Hague Central Station, situated in a historical building in the city center. NIDI employees work at least half of their work time on-site, a practice that fosters cohesion, creativity, and productivity. The work climate is based on mutual respect, openness, and direct contact. Many employees collaborate both across and within levels of seniority. Training the next generation by supervising PhD projects and guiding postdocs is one of the institute's key tasks, and NIDI prides itself on a tradition of close and successful supervision. NIDI participates in giving courses at universities, supervises national and international internships, and supervises master theses.

Your workplace

The work climate is based on mutual respect, openness, and collaboration. The institute consists of about 80 employees of different levels of seniority.

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. Each group has approximately 10-15 members.

More information

For additional information you may contact Maaike van der Vleuten (vleuten@nidi.nl).

Application procedure

Candidates are invited to submit their application in English. Applications must include in a single PDF:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Two references
• One published or submitted paper

The deadline for submitting your application is May 5, 2026. Please address your application to the director prof.dr. Helga de Valk.

About NIDI
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. Currently the staff of the institute consists of about 65 employees of different levels of seniority and organized in a rather horizontal structure within five thematic research groups. The working environment is highly international and NIDI provides ample opportunities for training and development.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is 3.546 and the maximum salary is 5.538 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.