PhD Candidate – Urban Security Processes (1.0 FTE)

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD Candidate who seeks to conduct their PhD research in the context of a research project funded by the European Commission on urban security policies and technological change. As a PhD Candidate of the Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture (ERMeCC), you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with renowned academics with an international and interdisciplinary approach.

A Master’s degree in the Social Sciences is required, as well as wide-ranging knowledge of and affinity for security studies, public policy and design thinking. In addition to an understanding of the latest developments in the field, the candidate should possess an affinity for collaboration with researchers and other stakeholders. Candidates a proven interest in juvenile delinquency, radicalisation, security in public spaces, or trafficking & organised crime are preferred.

Research and management duties

• Conducting PhD research within the framework of the project;
• Contributing to the data collection and data analysis of the project;
• Publishing and presenting research results in the form of deliverable reports, as well as articles in international peer reviewed journals and papers at international conferences;
• Writing a dissertation;
• Defending the dissertation to complete the doctoral degree;
• Participating and assisting in the organisation of project meetings, workshops and other knowledge utilisation activities
• Performing organisational tasks in the context of the project, in particular with regard to the task of the EUR within the project;
• Taking part in seminars, workshops, etc. that are organised by the Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture (ERMeCC) as well as the research schools and scholarly associations of which ERMeCC is part.

The development of teaching skills and teaching activities will be considered at a later stage of the PhD in discussion with the candidate and the supervisors.

• A Master’s degree in the Social Sciences, preferably a research master;
• Wide-ranging knowledge of and affinity with design thinking, urban security and knowledge co-creation with stakeholders;
• Proven affinity for empirical research, as evidenced by your master’s thesis, publications, research plans and other projects;
• Organisational experience and skills;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English. Non-English speakers have to meet the C1-standards of the Common European Framework (CEF).
• Didactic potential. Teaching experience is considered an advantage;
• A willingness to develop knowledge and skills in various disciplines and to increase the ability to teach related subjects within the faculty’s degree programme;
• Proficiency in spoken and written Dutch is optional, but preferred.

Employment starts June 1, 2020, pending finalisation of grant agreement. The initial contract will be running for a term of 1,5 years, which - depending on performance – will be extended with a second term of 2,5 years.

The conditions of employment correspond with the “CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten” (CAO NU). For the job of PhD Candidate (Promovendus) the salary amounts to a maximum of € 2.972,- (grade P) gross per month on a 38 hour per week contract.

The EUR has attractive employment conditions, which include a holiday allowance of 8.0%, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 41 annual vacation days in case of a full workweek. 

An internationally oriented melting-pot of talent with a high level of social engagement. That is Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). A Rotterdam-based university with 25,000 students and close to 2700 staff members, developing academic knowledge and skills which are infinitely applicable. Working at Erasmus University Rotterdam means working at an ambitious university that offers many opportunities for personal development and initiative. For more information about Erasmus University Rotterdam, visit www.eur.nl

The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) offers education and research in the fields of Media and Communication, History, and Arts and Culture Studies. The faculty has more than 2000 students and over 200 employees.

Media and Communication Department
The Media and Communication Department is a dynamic, internationally oriented department within the ESHCC. The department offers five international degree programmes: the International Bachelor’s programme in Communication and Media (IBCoM), three international Master’s programmes in Media Studies (Media & Business, Media & Creative Industries, Media, Culture & Society) and the Research master in the Sociology of Culture, Media and the Arts. The department has close ties with the Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture (ERMeCC), the primary research institute at EUR in the field of Media, Communication and Culture.

Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture (ERMeCC) The Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture (ERMeCC) is a vibrant, internationally oriented research centre within the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication which serves as the main base for researchers in Media, Communication and Culture at Erasmus.

Your cover letter should be accompanied by a letter of motivation of no more than 750 words, in which you explain what you consider to be the key concerns for design thinking applied to urban security and crime prevention initiatives and how you would approach this topic. It will be helpful to specifically address one or more of the following priority areas that are focal points in this project: juvenile delinquency, trafficking and organised crime, public spaces and radicalisation. Please also specify your motivation and abilities to work in the context of an EU project with a wide diversity of international partners and stakeholders in the security arena. The selection committee will invite a small number of candidates for an interview. Candidates may be asked to submit a more detailed research plan and/or give a presentation as part of the application procedure.

To apply, please send your cover letter with your letter of motivation, your resume/CV, your publication list (if applicable), and the names and contact details of two referees, before March 31, 2020 by e-mail to vacancies@eshcc.eur.nl. Please mention “PhD Urban Security”. You should receive a confirmation mail within two weeks.