Postdoctoral Position with the Conflict & Society Team

Are you a recent social sciences PhD who has conducted cutting-edge research on forced displacement and migration? Do you have experience conducting mixed-methods research? The “Conflict & Society” Research Priority Area at the University of Amsterdam invites applications for a Postdoctoral position for a duration of two years (30,4 hours / 0.8 fte).

Post-doctoral research on Government responses to international and international displacement
The Conflict & Society Research Priority Area (RPA) is an interdisciplinary research centre based in the faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) at the UvA, which has received funding for the period 2024 - 2028. The mission of the RPA is to conduct and foster research into the dynamics of conflict – for instance, in terms of (de)escalation of violence. Several research projects will be developed during the duration of the RPA (2024 – 2028).
The postdoctoral researcher will be working specifically on the ‘Government Responses to Internal and International Displacement’ (GRIID) project, led by Abbey Steele (UvA) with Adam Licthenheld (Stanford University) and Stephanie Schwartz (LSE). GRIID conceptualizes government responses to displacement as de jure or de facto, and protective or repressive. We are particularly interested in inconsistencies within states between protective and repressive policies, and de facto practices at different levels of governance.
The post-doctoral researcher will validate and help refine the conceptual framework based on mixed-methods work that expands a cross-national dataset on government responses, and in-depth qualitative work on a case or cases. A regional expertise in Asia is especially welcome, and a proven record of work on forced displacement, as well as fieldwork experience, and quantitative methods skills is required. Machine-based learning methods skills are especially welcome.

What are you going to do
Overall, the Postdoctoral researcher is expected to

1. Conduct high-quality research within the framework of the project;
2. Publish high-quality research within the framework of the project, including co-authoring publications;
3. Be affiliated with and take active part in the research environment at the AISSR and the Political Economy and Transnational Governance program group in political science, including project group meetings;
4. Assist in training and supervision of project-related research, such as data coding and collection;
5. Assist with administrative responsibilities related to the project, including organizational tasks such as organization of workshops, deliverables such as ethics and data management, and dissemination of project findings in general audience venues;

What do you have to offer
Essential:

1. A PhD degree or equivalent in political science or closely related discipline. The degree must have been obtained by the start of your employment;
2. Excellent publication record (i.e. publications in highly-ranked international journals);
3. Proven research expertise and agenda in forced migration and displacement;
4. Experience conducting fieldwork and regional expertise (in Asia would be a plus)
5. Excellent command of quantitative methods;
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
7. Independent thinking and critical analytical skills;
8. The ability to work independently but also to collaborate with a team.

What else do we offer you

1. A stimulating and friendly working environment, within the interdisciplinary AISSR and the political science program group PETGOV;
2. High-level responsibility to co-direct a two-year research project with ample scope for individual initiative;
3. The possibility to informally co-mentor the first steps of junior scholars (PhD students)
4. Excellent working conditions at the heart of vibrant Amsterdam
5. Work with an international team across the Netherlands, the UK, and the US

The position concerns a temporary appointment of 0,8-1.0 fte (equivalent of 30,4 hours per week) for a maximum term of two years. The initial appointment is for one year, starting no later than September 1, 2025. Following a positive assessment after 12 months, your appointment will be extended for another 12 months. You will also have the opportunity to attend training courses and international conferences and workshops.

The UvA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value a spirit of enquiry and endurance, provide the space to keep asking questions and cherish a diverse atmosphere of curiosity and creativity.

Our interdisciplinary team
You will work directly with Dr. Abbey Steele (Political Science) and Dr. Alessandro Nai (Communication Science), and participate in the Political Economy and Transnational Governance (PETGOV) program group within the political science department. Additionally, you are encouraged to join the Amsterdam Conflict Research Network, which meets monthly to provide feedback on work-in-progress and includes conflict scholars from across the Netherlands and Europe.

The Conflict & Society RPA is hosted by the Amsterdam Center for Conflict Studies (ACCS) within the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), a vibrant interdisciplinary institute with ample opportunity to join seminars.

The Postdoctoral researcher is expected to live in Amsterdam (or within commuting distance) and take active part in team meetings and the research environment at the AISSR and PETGOV.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is an active participant in a diverse, international community. Our goal is for you to feel at home here, regardless of your background, race, orientation and/or beliefs.
To apply, please submit the following four documents as one bundled PDF file:

• A short one-page cover letter describing your qualifications and motivation for the position.
• A CV with a list of qualifications and publications;
• The contact details of two academic references;
• One published article or other writing sample.

Please do NOT include any other materials at this stage. No other materials will be reviewed by the committee.

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can apply via the red button until 30 April 2025. Interviews will take place on 27 May 2025. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference over external candidates.

For questions about the vacancy, you can contact:

• Abbey Steele, abbey.steele@uva.nl