PhD candidate for 'Challenges and Potentialities of Activist Knowledge: Rethinking the University in the Netherlands' (0,8 - 1,0 FTE)

As a PhD candidate you will conduct an anthropological study of the contemporary university in the Netherlands as a site of social-political engagement and contestation. You will be part of the research group Sovereignty and Social Contestation (SoSCo) of the Department of Cultural Anthropology.

About the project
In an era characterised by diverse planetary crises, vast socioeconomic inequalities, and post-truth/alternative fact politics, our higher education institutions have become especially charged sites for the projection of new hopes, demands, and expectations. How do different university stakeholders interpret and rework issues of politics in teaching and learning? This PhD project is an anthropological study of the contemporary university as a site of social-political engagement and contestation through ethnographic fieldwork at Utrecht University, the University of Amsterdam, and the University of Leiden. This project will help develop best practices for fostering an 'open mind, open attitude and open science environment.

We gladly receive applications from you (x/f/m) if you:

• have a Research Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology;
• have a strong affinity with student- and scholar-activism and Critical University Studies;
• have proficiency in Dutch and English;
• enjoy working in an international environment.

Furthermore, your suitability is exemplified by:

• proven experience in Science and Technology Studies, Critical Pedagogy, Social Movement Studies, Post-Colonial, Queer and Feminist Studies, and studies on Hope, Desire, and Change;
• proven experience in ethnographic fieldwork and various qualitative research methods;
• excellent network- and communication skills.

You are expected to contribute the teaching programmes of the department of Cultural Anthropology.

We offer:

• a position (0,8-1 FTE) for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a full-time gross salary between €2,770,- in the first year and €3,539 in the fourth year of employment in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities;
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.

The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

The faculty attaches great importance to the fact that its employees can be widely deployed in the university organization, now and in the future, to further professionalize the support of education and research. To encourage this, every employee is given the time and facilities – for example in the form of training – at some point in their career to participate in projects or work in other departments. Characteristics that the faculty considers important are involvement, the ability to collaborate and flexibility.

The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

The first round of interviews takes place mid-January.
Our preferred start date is February 1st, 2024.