We are looking for a highly motivated post-doc researcher who considers it a challenge to conduct research as part of the Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens and the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS). As a postdoc at the ISS you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with renowned academics with an international focus and track record.

Project description

You will become part of the new research project on ‘Transnational political engagement of African Diaspora communities’. This research examines how Diaspora communities have (self-) organised transnationally between various countries of residence in order to influence local policies, which draws on the notion of political remittances and cultural circulation. These transnational networks are predominantly urban and have become more vibrant and diverse as a result of rapid communication developments. Less is known about their political engagement in countries of residence. Two research questions are central: (i) How do Diaspora communities (especially from Africa) organize themselves locally as well as transnationally, and why? (ii) How and to what extent have these Diaspora communities influenced local policies, or not? You will explore these questions in two poor and diverse neighbourhoods of The Hague, as well as (in a later stage) in Diaspora communities in an African city (to be determined).

Research tasks

• Conducting research within the framework of the Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens, specifically the project “Transnational political engagement of African Diaspora communities”.

• Contributing to the data collection and data-analysis. Next to being based in The Hague, a period of 10-12 months fieldwork in Africa will be realized.

• Presenting research results at international conferences and publishing articles in international peer reviewed journals.

• Assisting in the organisation of workshops and other knowledge sharing activities.

• Performing organizational tasks in the context of the Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens and the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS).

• Participating in project meetings, seminars, and workshops organised by the Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens and the ISS.

• A PhD degree in one of the social sciences (political science, sociology, anthropology, geography, etc.) or in development and/or migration studies.

• Wide ranging knowledge of development and/or migration studies / diaspora communities, demonstrated by (recent) publications.

• A solid background in both qualitative and quantitative research methods is required as evidenced by the dissertation, publications, research plans, and other projects. Experience with participatory research approaches is an asset.

• Strong social skills, including a profound willingness to collaborate and to take initiative.

• 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). Proficiency in other (relevant) languages is an asset.

Employment starts as soon as possible, but preferably not later than 1 November 2017. The contract will be a temporary contract for three years. The conditions of employment correspond with the Dutch collective labour agreement for universities (CAO NU). For the job of Postdoc researcher, the salary ranges between EUR 39.000 and 42.000 gross per year depending on the experience of the candidate, 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 (based on full time employment). 

The International Institute of Social Studies is committed to building and sustaining a community based on inclusiveness, equity and diversity and believes this will contribute to our mission and vision of being the best institute in our field.  ISS is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities and nationalities. Given the mission of the institute, particularly candidates from non-Dutch background are stimulated to apply.

The expertise of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is concentrated in the fields of Business Administration, Economics, Medicine and Health Sciences, Law, Psychology, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Sociology, Public Administration, History, Arts and Culture, Media and Communication, Philosophy, and International Development Studies. In addition to the initial degree programmes and scientific research, the University offers specific postgraduate study programmes and courses. Erasmus University has around 25,000 students and some 2,500 staff members.

The Erasmus University has recently launched three so-called Erasmus Initiatives, in order to stimulate academic excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration in research. One of these initiatives is the Vital Cities and Citizens project which aims to advance our understanding of the ways in which social and cultural transformations affect urban life. By doing so it enhances cities as places of inclusion, tolerance and cohesion, in which aspirations of diverse, resilient and creative citizens is articulated. The Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens is a collaboration between the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC), and the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS).

International Institute of Social Studies

The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) is a leading academic centre for international

development studies in The Hague and is part of the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). It is a

post-graduate institute of policy-oriented critical social science, founded in 1952. The institute offers a PhD in Development Studies, a 15.5-month MA in Development studies with five Majors, and several post-graduate Diploma courses.