PhD position on the cultural and intersectional history of the Dutch gay and lesbian left of the 1970s and 1980s (1.0 FTE)

A growing body of scholarship in Queer Studies is returning to the archives of the European and North American gay and lesbian left of the 1970s and 1980s. Yet, the Dutch context is almost entirely absent from this scholarship. What is the history of the gay and lesbian left in the Netherlands? How did Dutch gay and lesbian activists operate within the heterogeneous political space of the left, and how did they articulate the connections between sexual politics and socialism?

The PhD candidate will reconstruct a cultural and intersectional history of the Dutch gay and lesbian left, focusing on: (a) the relationships between gay and lesbian activists and the organisations and movements of the left (e.g., left-wing political parties, trade unions, the anarchist movement, campaigns of internationalist solidarity); (b) the cultural, artistic, and media practices deployed by different groups and collectives (e.g., street theatre, radio, newsletters, zines); (c) the links between the gay and lesbian left and other movements for social justice, such as anticolonial, antiracist, and feminist movements.

The PhD candidate will conduct archival research across several relevant archives in the Netherlands and oral history interviews with people involved in the Dutch gay and lesbian left in the 1970s and 1980s.
Next to conducting the research, which will result in a PhD dissertation, the candidate, together with the supervisory team, will work closely with the archives involved in order to device ways of facilitating and increasing access to this history.  

This PhD position is part of the interdisciplinary UU PhD programme of the Faculty of Humanities, funded by the administrative agreement (‘bestuursakkoord’) between the Ministry of OCW and the universities.

The ideal candidate for this PhD position has:

• a Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline in the Humanities or Social Sciences, such as Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, or History;
• an excellent command of both the Dutch and English language;
• excellent academic writing skills;
• a strong interest in practices of public history and public engagement;
• preferably (but not necessarily), previous knowledge of the topic and experience in archival and oral history research.

You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for 18 months with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

As PhD candidate you will be a member of the Institute for Cultural Inquiry (ICON). ICON is one of the four research institutes of the Faculty of Humanities. The researchers are working in six different research fields. PhD candidates are also embedded in the Graduate School of Humanities, which offers seminars and courses to improve your academic skills.  

Sharing science, shaping tomorrow. 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 Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the Faculty is located, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

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To apply, please use the 'apply' button.

The application should include:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a letter of motivation;
• a sample of writing in English (e.g., Master’s thesis chapter, final paper written for a Master’s course, or published article);
• the names and contact information of two persons who can provide references.

Interviews will take place in the week of 19 June 2023.