Due to population ageing, the number of care workers in Europe is growing quickly. Working conditions in care are shaped by political interventions. Yet we know very little about the political agency and aspirations of care workers themselves. Do you care about care workers? And about the political agency of underrepresented groups? Then this PhD project might be for you!
Join us to study the political agency of care workers
The Department of Political Science of the University of Amsterdam is hiring a PhD candidate in a research project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO-VIDI), titled “Breaking the Silence: Politics, Workers’ Rights and the Future of Senior Care in Europe” supervised by dr. Franca van Hooren.
European populations are ageing and the demand for senior care is rising quickly. Nevertheless, most workers in senior care face low pay and poor working conditions. Political interventions are required to improve the position of care workers. The aim of the “Breaking the Silence” project is to understand the political dynamics that lead to (the lack of) such interventions.
The PhD candidate engaged in the project will study the political agency of senior care workers. As PhD candidate, you will use qualitative and participatory methods to research how paid care workers understand their own political interests, what they expect from governments and why and how they mobilize. In this way, the project aims to give a voice to a segment of workers who are often politically silenced, while contributing to a better theoretical and intersectional understanding of workers’ political agency.
The project studies the politics of care work in the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, Italy and Poland. The PhD candidate will conduct qualitative research in at least two of these countries. Innovatively, the project uses participatory action research methods. You will recruit local care workers to act as research collaborators and organize qualitative interviews and focus groups in different countries and settings. You also organize stakeholder workshops attended by care workers, policy makers, employers and NGOs representatives.
What are you going to do
As PhD candidate, you will:
Complete an English language PhD dissertation within the broader framework of the project;
Conduct independent qualitative research using interviews, focus groups and participatory action methods;
Present scientific work at conferences and contribute to collective academic publications;
Assist with administrative responsibilities related to the project, such as organizing stakeholder workshops or other project events;
Support teaching activities at the Bachelor’s level (up to approximately 10% of your time).
What do you have to offer
We are looking for candidates who are passionate about care and politics and have experience with qualitative social science research methods.
Specifically, you have:
A (research) master’s degree in political science, anthropology, sociology or a related social science discipline (or you are about to graduate);
Strong and proven affinity with the topic of this PhD project, through academic training and/or work experience;
Good qualitative interviewing and/or ethnographic research skills, as demonstrated by your MA thesis or other publications/assignments and training;
Strong analytical skills, being able to connect people’s experiences realities with academic concepts and theories;
Proficiency in English and at least one of the following languages: Dutch, Norwegian, Italian, Polish, or Ukrainian;
The ability to work independently and as part of an international team;
Excellent communication, social and organizational skills. You take initiative, enjoy working with people and are respectful and engaged in your interactions with research participants.
In general, you are an enthusiastic colleague who likes to share knowledge and shows curiosity, critical thinking, and an eagerness to learn.
Your primary residence will be within commuting distance of the University of Amsterdam for the duration of the PhD project. The UvA will assist with finding adequate housing and applying for visa and residence permits.
What else do we offer you
The position consists of a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a maximum term of four years. The initial contract is for one year and will start in autumn 2025. Following a positive assessment, this term will be extended by another three years. The salary is determined by the Dutch collective labour agreement and ranges from €2.901/month in the first year to €3.707/month in the fourth year.
The Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research offers various graduate training opportunities. The research project in which you will be embedded offers a stimulating and supportive working environment. As project member, you will have the opportunity to travel for fieldwork and to attend national and international conferences and events.
