PhD Position European identity formation

The Amsterdam School for Regional, Transnational and European Studies (ARTES) currently has a vacant doctoral researcher position as part of the research Project EUDENTIFY, led by principal investigator Prof. Theresa Kuhn. ARTES is one of the five Research Schools within the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research.

What are you going to do?

The doctoral researcher will be part of the EUDENTIFY research projected directed by Prof. Theresa Kuhn. This 5-year research project is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and seeks to analyse the relationship between European supranational institution building and collective identity formation. The doctoral researcher will conduct a PhD research project to analyse the impact of European institution building on people's national and supranational identities. The researcher will focus on the role of citizen's cross-border interactions and institutional socialization as mechanisms of identity change, and will combine advanced quantitative methods (difference-in-difference designs, experiments) with qualitative research designs (focus group interviews and in-depth interviews). While a concrete project plan exists, there is room for developing your own research ideas. The academic work is to result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the Faculty of Humanities with the goal of obtaining the degree of PhD.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• conducting PhD research on the relationship between European institution building and collective identity formation, under the supervision of Prof. Theresa Kuhn, combining advanced quantitative methods (difference-in-difference designs, experiments) with qualitative research designs (focus group interviews and in-depth interviews);
• collaborating with the project team in completing the tasks and milestones of the project and actively participating in project meetings;
• publishing (co-authored) research articles in international peer reviewed journals;
• presenting intermediate research results at workshops and conferences;
• organising knowledge dissemination activities;
• (Co-)teaching courses at the BA-level in the 2nd and 3rd year of the appointment (max. 0,2FTE per year);
• assisting with administrative responsibilities related to the project (ca. 10% of the time), such as the organization of workshops, conferences, or other project events;
• participation in the Research School and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programmes;
• making Amsterdam (or a location within daily commuting distance) your primary residence for the duration of the PhD project. The research school will assist with finding adequate housing and with applying for visa and residence permits.

Your experience and profile:

• a completed Master's degree in political science, sociology, European studies or closely related field in the social sciences and humanities; you may apply if you have not yet completed your Master's degree only if you provide a signed letter from your supervisor stating that you will graduate before 01 January 2023;
• excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• a strong command of advanced quantitative social science research methods, especially causal inference and experiments, as well as willingness to further develop these skills;
• advanced programming skills in R or STATA;
• excellent research skills demonstrated by an outstanding Master's thesis and a demonstrable capacity to develop a track record of publishing in high-ranking journals and/or with leading presses;
• independent thinking and critical analytical skills;
• the ability to collaborate in a diverse team and in close cooperation with the daily supervisor and other members of the research group;
• the ability to finish the PhD project in time: i.e. strong skills in project management, flexibility, a proactive approach and excellent academic writing skills;
• The willingness to move to Amsterdam or a location within daily commuting distance for the duration of the contract.

Expertise in comparative public opinion research and EU politics are a plus.

Please note that if you already hold a doctorate/PhD or are working towards obtaining a similar degree elsewhere, you will not be admitted to a doctoral programme at the UvA.

We offer a temporary employment contract for the period of 48 months at the department of History, European Studies & Religious Studies of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Amsterdam. The first contract will be for 16 months, with an extension for the following 32 months, contingent on a positive performance evaluation within the first 12 months. The employment contract is for 38 hours a week. The preferred starting date is 1 January 2023 or shortly afterwards.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and relevant experience, ranges from € 2,541 up to a maximum of € 3,247. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer

• PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver;
• PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools;
• financial support for academic conferences and summer schools;
• excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
• an enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team at a leading research university in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information, such as an outline of the project? Please contact:

• Paul Koopman

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. The deadline for applying for this vacancy is 20 November 2022.

Applications should include the following information (submitted in one .pdf):

• A maximum two-page cover letter that outlines your preparation and motivation to pursue this degree. Please be as specific as possible in describing how you meet the selection criteria. If you do not meet all criteria yet, please explain how you will acquire the required skills.
• A research proposal of 800-1000 words, showing how you would approach the project.
• A full academic CV.
• A list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades.
• The names and contact details of two references, including your advisor, who may be approached by the selection committee.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please do NOT include any other materials at this stage. No other materials will be reviewed by the committee.

The interviews will be held online in the first half of December 2022.