We are looking for a highly motivated PhD Candidate who will conduct PhD research partially in the context of a research project funded by the European Commission. This project examines the diffusion of innovation and supports increased uptake of ‘Building Information Modelling’ amongst a large consortium of European partners on a multiyear project. PhD related work on this ‘BIM-SPEED’ project focuses on strategic communication strategies and helping create an effective exploitation plan based on a diffusion of innovation approach. Additional related research can be developed by the candidate in relation to her or his interests in strategic communication broadly in consultation with the research supervisors.

A Master’s degree in Communication, Business, Management or the Social Sciences is required, as well as knowledge of and affinity for quantitative research (preferably amongst organisations). As the candidate will also be expected to contribute to our educational curriculum in the Department of Media and Communication, the candidate must possess didactic skills and an affinity for working with students. Candidates who have a demonstrated interest in strategic communication specifically and knowledge or willingness to work on issues of ethical data use (social and legal concerns related to personal information) are preferred. Pre-existing knowledge of ‘Building Information Modelling’ or of the construction sector may be helpful, but is not required.

• A Master’s degree in Communication, Business, Management or the Social Sciences, preferably a research master;
• Quantitative research knowledge and skills, particularly the development and analysis of survey data (amongst organisations);
• Proven affinity for quantitative empirical research, as evidenced by your master’s thesis, publications, research plans and other  projects;
• Didactic potential. Teaching experience is considered an advantage;
• A willingness to develop knowledge and skills in various disciplines and to increase the ability to teach a wide range of subjects  within the faculty’s degree programme;
• 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).

Employment is intended to start 15 November, 2018. The initial contract will be running 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). For the job of PhD Candidate (Promovendus) the salary amounts to a maximum of € 2.897,- (grade P3) gross per month 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 in case of a full workweek. 

The expertise of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is concentrated in the fields of Business Administration, Economics, Medicine and Health Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, History, Culture, Communication and Media, and Philosophy. 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 faculty and staff members.

Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication includes the Departments of Arts and Culture Studies, Media and Communication, and History at Erasmus University. The Faculty has approximately 1700 students and 130 employees.

Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture (ERMeCC) The Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture (ERMeCC) is a vibrant, internationally oriented research centre within the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication which serves as the main base for researchers in Media, Communication and Culture at Erasmus.