The functioning of artificial intelligence often requires human labor, called microwork. In Europe, there are millions of people doing this work at home through online platforms. This work is presented online in small tasks, such as coding data and labeling images. Right now, microwork is poorly paid and unregulated. The European Commission has made a proposal to regulate online platform work. To make the proposed regulations as effective as possible, this research examines the concerns and needs of microworkers themselves and how these can be translated into effective policies, in which the working conditions of microworkers are of primary concern.

Because microwork is generally performed alone at home, this work is particularly invisible, which renders workers even more vulnerable to unfair employment practices (Friedland, et al., 2020). This has severe consequences for the way their concerns and needs are taken into account while new EU policy directives about platform work are drafted (Rosin, 2022). Indeed, a recent European Union Directive proposal aimed at regulating all digital labor platforms focuses almost entirely on the needs of on-location platform workers, those we see in our streets and in the media, such as ride hailing through Uber or meal delivery through Deliveroo (e.g., Cant, 2019; European Union, 2021; Möhlmann et al., 2021). However, we know much less about the specific practices and worker vulnerabilities of online platform work. Therefore, the focus of this proposal is on microworkers’ working conditions and how these can be improved through policy. More specifically, the overarching research question is:

How can the working conditions of microworkers be improved by policy measures?

Digital platform work is characterized by flexible work conditions, the use of algorithmic management to coordinate work, and a lack of labor protections (Gawer & Srnicek, 2021). But these conditions do not affect all platform workers equally: recent research shows that workers who rely principally on platform earnings are more vulnerable than those who have other jobs and who use platforms to supplement their other income (Dunn, 2020; Ravenelle, 2019; Schor et al., 2020). For microworkers, this is also true: The more dependent microworkers are on microtasks for their income, the more precarious their situation (Gray & Suri, 2019; Joyce, et al., 2020). This study will illuminate the world of microwork and identify policy measures to help protect microworkers, specifically those who are most dependent on platform work for their livelihood. It also prioritizes learning from microworkers themselves about the measures they wish to see implemented. Consequently, this proposal has three aims and three related subprojects:

1. to investigate the concerns and needs of microworkers in Europe (interviews with workers)
2. to evaluate whether policy measures can address microworkers’ concerns and needs (interviews with policy makers and experts), and
3. to study which possible policy measures would be most valued by microworkers (survey study among microworkers)
    

The PhD Candidate will be part of a team that is studying GHOSTWORK and Platform labor more general. For more information, see: https://www.ghostwork.org/

We are looking for a PhD candidate who:

• Completed a (research) master in the social sciences (e.g., Sociology, Organizational Psychology, Human Resources and Management Studies, Public Administration);
• Has affinity with decent work, digital work, labor regulations, platform work;
• Has proven experience with qualitative research methods;
• Has genuine interest in talking with workers and communication skills to create a conversation about their needs and concerns;
• Has excellent speaking and writing skills in English;
• Likes working in and being part of a research team;
• Would be available and willing to start the PhD project between September 2023 and November 2023 (latest).

An internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with good working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The start date of this position is as soon as possible but November 2023 latest and you will be based at Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences in Rotterdam. The position is for 1,0 FTE. The salary starts with € 2.541,- and ends up in the fourth year with € 3.247,-  gross per month on a fulltime basis, in accordance with scale CAO-NU scale PR of the CAO-NU. In addition, we offer an 8% holiday allowance, an end-of-year payment of 8.3%, and a very generous paid leave scheme. Furthermore, EUR is affiliated with ABP for the pension provision, and we offer partially paid parental leave, fully paid extended birth leave for partners, a personal career budget, work-life balance coaches, discounted collective health insurance, and more. As an employee, you can also use EUR facilities such as the University library and receive a discount on subscriptions for the Erasmus sports center.

Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a Dual Career Programme (DCP) to assist the life partners of new academic staff (on payroll) in finding employment in The Netherlands. The programme is offered in close cooperation with the nearby universities of Delft and Leiden.

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfill their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research, as expressed in our mission ‘Creating positive societal impact’. EUR is home to 3.700 academics and professionals and almost 33.000 students from more than 140 countries. Everything we do, we do under the credo The Erasmian Way – Making Minds Matter. We’re global citizens, connecting, entrepreneurial, open-minded, and socially involved. These Erasmian Values function as our internal compass and create EUR’s distinctive and recognizable profile. From these values, with a broad perspective and with an eye for diversity, different backgrounds and opinions, our employees work closely together to solve societal challenges from the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. Thanks to the high quality and positive societal impact of our research and education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. www.eur.nl.

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB)

The Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences is home to a vast diversity of scientific disciplines: public administration, pedagogical sciences, psychology and sociology. In addition, the Erasmus University College, IHS, and two research institutes RISBO and DRIFT are linked to the faculty. This also reflects in the content of the (international) bachelor's and master's programs and in research.  Our activities are always focused on people and society. At the ESSB fundamental, internationally oriented research is of paramount importance. In addition, social research for professionals, policy makers, and the society is part of our research activities. ESSB offers a stimulating research environment where major national and international research grants are received. Appealing guest researchers and ambitious PhD candidates come along to conduct their research. Our education is small-scale and works with innovative forms of education. Both the Dutch and English programs are highly ranked by students and alumni. ESSB is home to over 4000 students and more than 400 staff-members. The different disciplines are supported by the Faculty Office (for more information, please visit www.eur.nl/essb).