About Trinity:
Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years. Trinity College Dublin- an introduction
Summary of post
Doctoral Researcher in Quantitative Sociology
The Department of Sociology at Trinity College Dublin is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and outstanding doctoral researcher for a period of 4 years (48 months). Candidates are given the opportunity to design and carry out an innovative PhD project in quantitative sociology in the field of social inequality and life course research. We are seeking applicants who are intrinsically motivated in working on the following project, which funded by a Trinity Research Doctorate Award.
The Economics of Late-Life Divorce in High-Income Countries
While overall divorce rates in high-income countries have stabilized, divorces among individuals over 50—often referred to as “grey divorce”—have increased significantly. Grey divorce presents unique economic and social challenges, disrupting long-standing financial and social structures, with significant consequences for individual well-being and societal costs. Unlike divorces earlier in life, individuals undergoing grey divorce have limited time to rebuild financial security, leading to increased economic vulnerability, reliance on public assistance, and shifting intergenerational financial transfers. Despite its growing relevance, research on grey divorce remains scarce, predominantly U.S.-focused, and lacks causal evidence that accounts for different institutional and policy contexts.
The PhD project will address these gaps by employing advanced longitudinal methods and cross-national data analysis to investigate the economic drivers and consequences of grey divorce. The project will explore how individual- and couple-level economic factors—such as intra-couple income inequality, household wealth, and social class—shape the risk of grey divorce and how economic outcomes post-divorce vary across different welfare state contexts. The findings will provide critical insights for policymakers addressing financial instability and social support in ageing populations.
The project will employ a comparative, longitudinal research design using panel data from multiple high-income countries, including the UK (UKHLS), Germany (SOEP), Australia (HILDA), and the US (PSID), alongside ageing studies such as SHARE, ELSA, and TILDA. Where feasible, administrative data from Nordic countries will complement survey data. The study will apply event history analysis to examine predictors of grey divorce and advanced panel regression methods (e.g., fixed-effects growth curve models, staggered difference-in-differences) to analyse post-divorce economic trajectories. Synthetic control methods may be employed to establish causal relationships.
Application Procedure
Informal enquiries are very welcome and can be made directly to Dr Nicole Kapelle (nicole.kapelle@tcd.ie), Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology.
To apply, candidates should submit:
1. A motivation letter (max. 1–2 pages) clearly outlining your motivation, research experience, and relevant skills in relation to the project;
2. A full curriculum vitae;
3. The names and contact details (including email addresses) of two referees;
4. At least one example of written work (in English, including some data analysis) that demonstrates your analytical and writing skills in a social science discipline;
5. Official transcripts of records from all completed higher education degrees (e.g., Bachelor's and Master's).
via email to
• Dr Nicole Kapelle (nicole.kapelle@tcd.ie), Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology.
before the closing date of July 21, 2025 (23:00 GMT).
Applications must indicate exactly “PhD Application – Quantitative Sociology” in the subject line.
At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Trinity welcomes applications from all individuals, including those applicants with disabilities, those who may have had non-traditional career paths, those who have taken time out for reasons including family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants including those whom have been displaced due to war.
Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier University. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and we hold an Athena Swan Silver award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and in the Higher Education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work-life balance and to creating a family-friendly working environment.