The Research Department of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) is recruiting a Researcher specialised in European industrial relations, workers’ participation, and economic and industrial democracy.
About the ETUI
The ETUI provides research and training support to the European trade union movement.
The Brussels-based Institute conducts research into European issues of strategic importance for the world of labour and promotes education and training activities with the aim of enhancing the capacity of workers’ organisations to contribute to social dialogue and building a social Europe.
About the position
Within a dynamic international environment, you will work in a team of eight researchers in the area of the ‘Europeanisation of industrial relations’. Your own research will focus primarily on transnational information and consultation via European Works Councils (EWCs) and SE works councils within the wider framework of a research programme on workers’ participation in Europe. Together with colleagues, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a research agenda on transnational information and consultation which takes the different national industrial relations systems in the EU into account, helps develop a trade union agenda, and can inform European and national policy-making processes.
A key task of the Institute in the next years will be to advise on and monitor the implementation of the revised EWC Directive, drawing on the ETUI’s long-standing empirical research and analysis and in cooperation with the trade union movement. You will also be responsible for overseeing the ETUI’s flagship portal worker-participation.eu, which showcases internal and external expertise. Additionally, you will also follow and monitor recent developments of the European social dialogue.
To these ends, you will take part in international research networks and maintain contacts with universities, other research institutes, and trade union organisations. You will organise workshops, seminars and conferences, and will be expected to publish the results of your research in ETUI publications, academic and specialised journals, and other media. You will be expected to provide expertise in support of the European trade union movement, particularly the ETUC and the sectoral European Trade Union Federations.
Requirements
We expect you to have at least a Master’s degree – and preferably a Doctoral degree – in economics, sociology, political science, or a related discipline, and sound professional experience in researching industrial relations. Prior experience in developing and implementing multi-annual research would be a particular asset. We are particularly interested in candidates who have a strong interest in qualitative research combining a policy-making and practitioner-oriented approach with proven scientific-analytical skills. Prior publications in the field, including in peer-reviewed academic journals, would be an asset.
In support of the above role, candidates are expected to have:
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knowledge of the European Union and the European institutions;
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knowledge of the European trade unions;
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critical/analytical skills;
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project management skills;
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good communication and team-working skills and a readiness to travel within Europe;
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excellent knowledge of English (working language). Knowledge of other European languages is an advantage;
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familiarity with standard computer applications.
Conditions of employment
The appointment will initially be a full-time position for a 3-year period, with the possibility of extension. The ETUI offers a challenging and dynamic working environment, combining excellent academic standards with close contacts to European policy makers and trade unions.
For further information, visit: http://www.etui.org.
The ETUI offers good working conditions with a competitive salary and an attractive package of fringe benefits in line with qualifications and experience.
For any further questions regarding the vacancy, please contact Head of Unit Europeanisation industrial relations Aline Hoffmann: [email protected]
Applications and selection process
Applications and supporting documents (CV, evidence of qualifications, list of publications, etc.) should be addressed before 21 November 2025 to:
Bart VanherckeDirector of the Research DepartmentETUIBd du Jardin Botanique, 201000 BrusselsE-mail HR Officer: [email protected]
Selected candidates will be called in for a panel interview in Brussels on 1 December 2025 (with some degree of flexibility). Preferred start date: January 2026.
