Are you a recent social sciences PhD who has conducted cutting-edge research on forced displacement and migration? Do you have experience conducting mixed-methods research? The “Conflict & Society” Research Priority Area at the University of Amsterdam invites applications for a Postdoctoral position for a duration of two years (30,4 hours / 0.8 fte).
Post-doctoral research on Government responses to international and international displacement
The Conflict & Society Research Priority Area (RPA) is an interdisciplinary research centre based in the faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) at the UvA, which has received funding for the period 2024 - 2028. The mission of the RPA is to conduct and foster research into the dynamics of conflict – for instance, in terms of (de)escalation of violence. Several research projects will be developed during the duration of the RPA (2024 – 2028).
The postdoctoral researcher will be working specifically on the ‘Government Responses to Internal and International Displacement’ (GRIID) project, led by Abbey Steele (UvA) with Adam Licthenheld (Stanford University) and Stephanie Schwartz (LSE). GRIID conceptualizes government responses to displacement as de jure or de facto, and protective or repressive. We are particularly interested in inconsistencies within states between protective and repressive policies, and de facto practices at different levels of governance.
The post-doctoral researcher will validate and help refine the conceptual framework based on mixed-methods work that expands a cross-national dataset on government responses, and in-depth qualitative work on a case or cases. A regional expertise in Asia is especially welcome, and a proven record of work on forced displacement, as well as fieldwork experience, and quantitative methods skills is required. Machine-based learning methods skills are especially welcome.
What are you going to do
Overall, the Postdoctoral researcher is expected to
Conduct high-quality research within the framework of the project;
Publish high-quality research within the framework of the project, including co-authoring publications;
Be affiliated with and take active part in the research environment at the AISSR and the Political Economy and Transnational Governance program group in political science, including project group meetings;
Assist in training and supervision of project-related research, such as data coding and collection;
Assist with administrative responsibilities related to the project, including organizational tasks such as organization of workshops, deliverables such as ethics and data management, and dissemination of project findings in general audience venues;
What do you have to offer
Essential:
A PhD degree or equivalent in political science or closely related discipline. The degree must have been obtained by the start of your employment;
Excellent publication record (i.e. publications in highly-ranked international journals);
Proven research expertise and agenda in forced migration and displacement;
Experience conducting fieldwork and regional expertise (in Asia would be a plus)
Excellent command of quantitative methods;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
Independent thinking and critical analytical skills;
The ability to work independently but also to collaborate with a team.
What else do we offer you
A stimulating and friendly working environment, within the interdisciplinary AISSR and the political science program group PETGOV;
High-level responsibility to co-direct a two-year research project with ample scope for individual initiative;
The possibility to informally co-mentor the first steps of junior scholars (PhD students)
Excellent working conditions at the heart of vibrant Amsterdam
Work with an international team across the Netherlands, the UK, and the US
The position concerns a temporary appointment of 0,8-1.0 fte (equivalent of 30,4 hours per week) for a maximum term of two years. The initial appointment is for one year, starting no later than September 1, 2025. Following a positive assessment after 12 months, your appointment will be extended for another 12 months. You will also have the opportunity to attend training courses and international conferences and workshops.
The UvA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value a spirit of enquiry and endurance, provide the space to keep asking questions and cherish a diverse atmosphere of curiosity and creativity.
