Are you interested in cultural sociology, and specifically in the rise of global economic elites and their impact on cultural fields? Is it your ambition to become a top-tier researcher?

The Department of Sociology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the project “The Return of the Medici? The Global Rise of Private Museums for Contemporary Art”, which is funded by the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO) and led by Professor Olav Velthuis. The researcher will be part of programme group Cultural Sociology of the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), and will as such be able to participate in activities of this research institute (e.g. research presentations, conferences, trainings/workshops).

The project studies the global rise of private art museums, in which private collectors open up their collections to the public, in different ways. Its main interest is in the role which these museums play in translating rising economic inequality into cultural forms of inequality. Quantitatively, it studies the reasons for the spectacular rise in the 21st century as well as the impact of private museums on the value of art and artistic careers. Qualitatively, it has zoomed in on specific regions including Brazil, Germany and Turkey. Since the project started, a database of private art museums and a public report on private museums have been established (available on privatemuseumresearch.org).

What are you going to do?
As postdoctoral researcher you will:

• conduct empirical research, writing academic articles and a monography;
• cooperate with other team members in developing & executing the research;
• participate in conferences and seminars.

In terms of empirical focus, we are specifically looking for candidates interested in private museum finances and the role of tax incentives for private museums; in transparency and governance of private museums; in the analysis of private museums in specific regions, in particular in the global south; or in a systematic analysis of private museum founders’ motivations, e.g. on the basis of published interviews.

You have:

• a completed Doctoral degree in Sociology or another relevant sub-discipline of Social Sciences or Humanities;
• affinity with the cultural field;
• publications in peer-reviewed journals or with established academic publishers;
• extensive experience with empirical research;
• excellent command of English.

Relevant language skills pertaining to the project countries will be considered as an advantage.

The position concerns temporary employment of 30,4 hours per week (0,8 fte). Additional teaching time (up to a maximum of 0.2 fte) may, depending on availability and in mutual consultation, be included in the contract. The initial employment term will be for one year, with a probationary period of two months. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 4 months (for a total duration of 16 months). Preferred starting date is 1 November 2023.

The starting salary will be based on qualifications, expertise and relevant work experience, ranging from a minimum of €3,974 to a maximum of €5,439 gross per month based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week, in keeping with salary scale 11, as per the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. The job profile 'onderzoeker' is applicable.

We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• a position in which initiative and input are highly valued
• an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

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