There are still few women in senior positions in the Dutch academic world, in particular compared to neighbouring countries. The Women Professors monitor 2017, shows that the proportion of women is not yet approaching the level of 20%, although it is slowly rising. The purposeof this study is to improve our understanding of the gender gap in academic leadership and the internal and external factors that influence this gap. The main research question of this project is: which factors influence the gender gap in academic leadership positions at the Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) and the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)? Special attention will be paid to the role of networks in this process.  A comparative perspective between schools within Erasmus MC and Erasmus University has been chosen, because disciplines vary considerably with regard to culture, the compositions of students and staff, career patterns and recruitment and selection criteria and practices. To answer the main research question, a mixed-method, longitudinal approach is taken in which the current cohort of associate professors will be interviewed and followed for 3 years. This research design provides the opportunity to take into account individual, institutional and cultural factors and to formulate recommendations for Erasmus MC and EUR.

Research- and education tasks

The research for this Ph.D. project can be typified as longitudinal mixed-method research (combining interviews, survey and a network study). The Ph.D. student is expected to devote 10% of his/her time on educational tasks in the public administration bachelor program. Another 10% is available for training and development.

• A Master’s degree (to be obtained before January 1, 2019) in Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science, Communication Science, or a related field (preferably a Research Master);

• Knowledge of and/or affinity with theory and research on gender, careers, and HRM  is highly appreciated;

• Experience and affiliation with qualitative and quantitative research methods;

• Excellent writing and communication skills;

• Excellent command of both Dutch and English;

• A strong drive to conduct societal relevant social-scientific research;

• Flexibility and dedication;

• A creative, open personality with excellent analytical, advisory and organizational skills;

• Ability to work well in a team, as well as autonomously.

Fixed-term contract: 1,5 years, which – depending on performance – will be extended with a second term of 2,5 years.

Internationally-oriented and varied work within an enthusiastic and ambitious team of top researchers and lecturers, with attractive fringe benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (Cao NU).

Employment preferably starts in March 2019. The initial contract will run for a term of 1,5 years, which – depending on performance – will be extended with a second term of 2,5 years. The conditions of employment correspond with the CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten (CAO NU). The Erasmus University offers a salary of € 2.325,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of  € 2.972,- gross per month in the final year in accordance with the Promovendus (OIO) scale of CAO NU. Salary is based on a fulltime occupation. Objective of the temporary 4-year position is the production of a thesis leading to a PhD degree. Candidates are to submit yearly progress reports to the faculty’s standing committee for research.

The EUR has attractive employment conditions, which include holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, an end-of-year payment of 8.3% of the yearly salary and 232 hours leave per year (based on a full-time appointment of 38 hours). In case of a working day of 8 hours, you will weekly save 2 hours extra for annual leave (totally 328 hours).

In addition, EUR takes part in the ABP pension scheme, and we also offer partially paid parental leave. Moreover, EUR staff members can make use of the facilities at the EUR campus, including the Erasmus Sports Centre and the University Library. Substantial tax benefits apply to non-Dutch citizens, conditional on permission granted by the Dutch Tax Office. Applicants should have the right to work in the Netherlands for the duration of the contract.

More information about working conditions a can be found at: https://www.eur.nl/english/workingat/ 

Diversity is one of our strategic priorities. Female candidates and/or candidates from an ethnic minority, candidates with an international background are encouraged to apply. Under the condition of equal quality and suitability, these candidates will have a priority position.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, both in its education and research activities. On the lively, modern campus, more than 28.000 students and scholars of more than 100 nationalities are constantly encouraged to develop their talents and meet their ambition. Our more than 2700 scientists and employees work together with all our students to solve challenges faced by global society, drawing their inspiration from the consistently dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaging and strongly focused on practical application. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programmes, EUR can compete with the foremost universities in Europe, which is reflected in its consistent top-100 position in most major universities rankings. Erasmus University Rotterdam’s key values are daring, curiosity, social involvement, breaking new ground and striving for success http://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 programmes 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 such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Both the Dutch and English programmes are highly ranked by students and alumni. ESSB is home to over 2500 students and 300 staff-members.

Department of Public Administration and Sociology (DPAS)

The department benefits from a key position in the European public administration landscape through numerous editorial board positions and participation in several cross-national networks. Leading sociologist in the field of migration, political sociology and families are based in the department and participate actively in public debates and international research projects. Cooperation with third parties and conducting research with societal impact are key values of the department. The bachelor and master programmes reflect our diverse expertise and educate students to become active professionals.